Constitutional Interpretation in Singapore

Jaclyn L. Neo is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Law at the National University of Singapore.

• IntroductionPart I: Theoretical Frameworks 1. Interpreting the Singapore Constitution. 2. Does the ‘Basic Structure Doctrine’ Apply in Singapore’s Constitution? An Inquiry into Some Fundamental Constitutional Premises. 3. Into the Matrix: Interpreting the Westminster Model Constitution. 4. Principled Pragmatism and the ‘Third Wave’ of Communitarian Judicial Review in Singapore. 5. Uncovering Originalism and Textualism in Singapore. Part II: Interrogating Assumptions 6. Rethinking the Presumption of Constitutionality. 7. Balancing Act: The Balancing Metaphor as Deference and Dialogue in Constitutional Adjudication. 8. The Broader Case for Developing the Content of Fundamental Rules of Natural Justice under Article 9 of the Constitution: A Place for Proportionality? 9. Whither the Autochthonous Narrative of Freedom of Speech in Singapore?: A Guide to Defaming Politicians and Scandalising Judges. Part III: Rethinking Boundaries 10. The Interpretation of the Constitution: Ought it be Different from the Interpretation of Statutes and Contracts?11. Much Ado About Nothing? The Enigma of Engagement of Foreign Constitutional Law in Singapore. 12. Resisting Foreign Law in Constitutional Interpretation in Singapore: Trends Across 50 Years. 13. Constitutional Interpretation and Globalization: New Challenges. 14. Constitutional Evolution Through Interpretation: Is Law or Politics the Best Route for Singapore? A Dialogue. Conclusion