Singapore, a vibrant gem in Southeast Asia, captivates with its rich diversity and blend of cultures. Beyond its lively streets and delicious food, this remarkable nation is celebrated for having one of the most efficient and robust legal systems in the world. It's no wonder that Singapore stands out not only as a bustling metropolis but also as a beacon of order and justice on the global stage.
One of the main factors why Singapore’s legal system is known as this is because it is made on a foundation that consists of justice, fairness and the rule of law. This country emphasises maintaining social order and economic stability and this is reflected in its legal system.
Singapore follows a common law system which comes from its colonial past when it was under British rule. Over the years, this system changed and moulded to meet the unique needs of this country’s diverse and fast-paced society. If you are someone who has an upcoming law examination, this is the perfect guide on law revision for you.
Why is Law Revision Important?
Building a Strong Foundation
Unlike many subjects out there, law is a cumulative subject. Simply put, the concepts in law tend to build upon one another. This means, that if you misunderstand or miss a foundational principle, it can lead to wrong interpretations later on. Let us take contract law for example. It requires you to have a solid and strong grasp of offer, acceptance and consideration. You will need to ensure that you regularly revise in order to not only understand but retain these critical building blocks. If you miss this, you will lose your ability to understand and grasp more complex topics such as breach of contract.
Staying Updated
Law is one of those subjects that tends to change and evolve quite often. In terms of statutory amendments and precedents, Singapore is a country that frequently updates its legal landscape. In order to do well in law, you will need to not only stay updated on developments but also revisit the materials at hand. One good example can be seen in the Penal Code in 2023 that decriminalises attempted suicide. In order for you to score well in your law examination, you will need to be informed of such changes. This is vital for your success in your law studies as well as your practical real-world legal scenario.
Exam Preparations
Law is a subject that will test your memory as well as analysis and application. When you revise your law subject, it will help you identify key legal principles and how to apply them effectively. You will need to familiarise yourself with hypothetical scenarios. The more you practice during your revision, the more you will be prepared for your examination. You will need to demonstrate both theoretical as well as practical application. Your revisions will help you hone these skills and ensure that you are well-prepared for any questions your examiner might throw at you during the exams.
Enhancing Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is extremely important if you are revising for your law subject. You must learn how to sharpen your analytical skills so that you can provide good answers to your exam questions. This is especially relevant in Singapore where critical thinking is not only highly valued in academics but in professional contexts as well. A good example can be seen in how you analyse principles from the English common law that is adapted to Singapore’s unique legal environment. This ability will not only help you appreciate your subject but also excel in it. By practising this analytical skill constantly, you will remain sharp and prepared not only for your examination but for your practical legal work as well.
Resources for Law Revision
Textbooks and Case Law Compilations
When it comes to revision for your law subject, there are many standard textbooks available in Singapore. These law books not only provide in-depth explanations but also use case studies. The case studies are important and pivotal to providing you with invaluable insight for understanding how principles are applied. They will enrich your understanding as well as an appreciation of the legal system in Singapore.
Online Platforms and Databases
In this day and age of technology, many legal databases serve as an indispensable resource to students and lawyers all over Singapore. These online law resources don't only offer access to case laws and legislation but also journals and access to the country’s laws. These platforms have got to be one of the most useful platforms out there that can help you in your research as well as case studies. On top of these, some of these platforms also allow you to analyse the reasoning behind some of the key judgments which will help you with your understanding of the judicial interpretations.
Revision Guides and Flashcards
Summary guides and flashcards are extremely helpful especially when you want to have a quick revision of the concepts and theories you have learnt. There are a lot of guides out there that have condensed complex topics into small manageable sections. This will also help you with quick revisions. When it comes to reinforcing your memory, flashcards are highly effective. There are also digital tools available that allow you to customise your flashcards to specific topics. Since law has a lot of topics, this will be highly efficient for you.
Study Group and Peer Revision
When it comes to understanding a topic that you find confusing and challenging, group study might just be what you are looking for. When you engage in discussion with your peers, you can gain a new perspective, especially on topics that you find challenging or complex. These study groups allow you to share resources, debate and clarify doubts that foster a deeper understanding of the subject.
Careers you Can Pursue in Singapore if You Study Law
Legal Practitioner
This is the most obvious career path for most people who major in law. In Singapore, you can qualify as an advocate by completing the bachelor of law and then passing the Singapore bar exam. You will also need to complete the practice training contract. Usually, lawyers specialise in specific areas. Each type of lawyer plays a very important role. For example, when it comes to mergers and acquisitions, corporate lawyers are highly important. They not only draft agreements but ensure that there is compliance with regulatory frameworks. Criminal lawyers on the other hand defend or prosecute individuals who are accused of crimes.
In-house Counsel
In-house counsel are lawyers who are hired by companies to manage their legal affairs. Their job scope includes and is not limited to ensuring compliance and advising the company on risk management. Companies from almost all industries such as banking, technology and healthcare often have their own in-house counsel.
Judicial and Public Sector Roles
As a person with law qualifications, you can also pursue a career in the judiciary by becoming a judge or magistrate. Other roles in the public sector offer you the opportunity to contribute to policy development and legislative drafting.
Non-legal Careers
If you would like to go into a non-legal career after obtaining your qualifications in law, you can also go into careers that require a high level of critical thinking, negotiation and problem-solving. Examples of fields that you will do well in are management, consulting, journalism as well as public relations. Your ability and skills will set you apart from the rest and you will surely succeed in these industries.
Best Ways to Revise Law
Create a Study Schedule
In order for you to prepare for your examination, you will need to ensure that you revise all the topics on hand without excluding any. The best way you can do this is to come up with a study schedule. You will need to systematically cover all of your topics before you sit for your examination. Having a proper schedule also reduces stress and enables you to attempt your examination with confidence.
Practice Writing Answers
Legal examinations will require you to answer your questions in essay writing format. This means that you will need to ensure you practice writing your responses to ensure you elaborate appropriately. Always ensure you structure every answer with the IRAC method which stands for issue, rule, application and conclusion. Practice writing as much as possible as this will give you the practice you need for your actual examination.
Summarise and Simplify
Always concise large volumes of information into short key points. Use diagrams and flowcharts if it helps you. Visual aids will always help you grasp complicated relationships between complex concepts. This will help you save time and also focus on the important aspects of the cases and topics.
Seek Feedback
At times, you will need an extra pair of eyes to help you gain constructive feedback, especially in your understanding and your essay. This is where seeking feedback from your peers or professor comes in handy. When you engage with your mentors, you will be able to get a better understanding of your topics as well as get a different perspective of the law and cases.
If you are looking for a law tutor, head over to Superprof and find a tutor who is just waiting to help you master law. While there are many law revision tools available, having a tutor help you will make it easier for you to understand what you are studying. Our tutors are not only verified but they are also skilled as well as experienced so they will be able to guide you and provide you constructive criticism that will help you grow.
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