Mindmap of Lecture 1: Introduction to Law

1. Separation of Powers

1.1. The Executive

1.1.1. Includes

1.1.1.1. Cabinet of Ministers

1.1.1.2. President

1.1.1.3. Prime Minister

1.1.1.4. Civil Service

1.1.1.5. Police

1.1.1.6. Attorney-General's Chambers

1.1.2. Main Function

1.1.2.1. Executes and enforces the law

1.1.2.2. See to the administration of the law

1.2. Legislature

1.2.1. Consists of

1.2.1.1. President

1.2.1.2. Parliament

1.2.1.2.1. Enactments made by the Parliament

1.2.1.2.2. 3 types of Members of Parliament (MPs)

1.2.2. Main Functions

1.2.2.1. Make laws

1.2.2.2. Discuss and resolve issues of national interest

1.3. The Judiciary

1.3.1. Represented by

1.3.1.1. Supreme Court

1.3.1.1.1. Court of Appeal

1.3.1.1.2. High Court

1.3.1.2. State Courts

1.3.1.2.1. District Court

1.3.1.2.2. Magistrate Courts

1.3.1.2.3. Small Claims Tribunal

1.3.1.2.4. Coroner's Courts

2. Rule of Law

2.1. No one can act arbitrarily

2.2. The law holds absolute supremacy

2.3. Government must act in accordance to law

3. Singapore Legal System

3.1. Common Law

3.1.1. The historical angle

3.2. Singapore under British influence

3.2.1. Adopted English Common Law system

3.3. Uses judicial precedents (stare decisis)

3.4. Has historical ties with the British Empire