Legal Policy
MinLaw ensures a sound and progressive legal framework that is relevant and modern; provides access to justice; and upholds the rule of law. It regularly reviews laws; proposes law reforms; and pursues new initiatives to strengthen the legal infrastructure. Such work covers a wide spectrum ranging from domestic civil law and criminal law, to public international law.
MinLaw vets all Government Bills to ensure they are, among other things, consistent with the Constitution of Singapore, and contain penalties that commensurate with the offences. MinLaw also plays a pivotal role in inter-ministry discussions where legal policies have a dominant role, or in matters relating to international law.
MinLaw’s functions are distinct from the Judiciary and the Attorney-General’s Chambers. The Attorney-General serves as the legal adviser to the Government and he is also the Public Prosecutor.