To the Honorable Judges and Administrators of the Singapore Courts,

I, we, the undersigned, call for urgent reforms to address the misuse of legal actions to silence dissent and the imbalance created by resource disparities in legal proceedings. These issues threaten fundamental rights and undermine access to justice in Singapore.

1. Combat Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP):

• Define and Deter SLAPP Suits: Establish a clear legal definition of SLAPP suits, characterizing them as legal actions primarily intended to intimidate, silence, or burden critics.
• Implement Early Dismissal Mechanisms: Introduce procedures for the early dismissal of SLAPP suits, allowing judges to swiftly identify and dismiss meritless claims designed to harass or suppress legitimate criticism.
• Shift Costs and Penalties: Develop a system where those who file SLAPP suits bear the financial burden of the defendant's legal costs, discouraging frivolous litigation and protecting free speech.

2. Address Resource Disparities in Legal Proceedings:

• Simplified and Expedited Processes: Implement streamlined procedures for cases with a clear disparity in resources between parties. This would prevent wealthier parties from exploiting lengthy and complex legal processes to exhaust their opponents' finances and willpower.
• Capping Legal Fees: Consider introducing caps on legal fees or fee-shifting mechanisms in cases with significant resource imbalances to prevent excessive costs from obstructing access to justice.
• Increased Legal Aid: Expand eligibility for legal aid and provide greater support for self-represented litigants to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent individuals from accessing legal representation.

International Best Practices:

Many jurisdictions, including those in the European Union and North America, have recognized the threat of SLAPP suits and resource imbalances in their legal systems. They have implemented various reforms, such as anti-SLAPP legislation, expedited procedures, and cost-shifting mechanisms, to protect free speech and ensure equal access to justice. We urge the Singapore Courts to draw upon these international examples to develop effective solutions tailored to the Singaporean context.

By taking decisive action on these issues, the Singapore Courts can uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and freedom of expression for all.

Sincerely, Vladislav Solodkiy, self-litigant (SG EP holder since May'2015, Author of https://l.Nansen.id/AIjustice)