\u3ci\u3ePrimus Inter Pares\u3c/i\u3e: Is the Singapore Judiciary First Among Equals?

Chief Justice Yong Pung How has implemented many changes in the Singapore judicial system since his appointment to the post in 1990. The reforms have concentrated on active case management, providing mediation as an alternative mechanism to resolve disputes, and implementing information technology in the courtroom. One of the results of these reforms is that the backlog of cases has been eliminated and the judicial system has become dramatically more efficient. However, an increased efficiency in judicial administration cannot be justified if it is attained at the expense of restricting access to justice. This Comment reviews the judicial reforms in Singapore and examines their impact. Based in part on national and international surveys that examine the administration of justice, this Comment concludes that the judicial reforms have not impeded access to a just resolution of disputes in Singapore