To the Honorable Judges and Administrators of the Singapore Courts,

I, we, the undersigned, call for reforms to ensure fair treatment and adequate support for self-represented litigants in Singapore's justice system.

Self-representation is often a necessity, not a choice, for individuals facing financial constraints or who are forced to represent themselves due to the actions of opposing parties. It is crucial to recognize the challenges faced by self-litigants and create a more level playing field within the courts.

1. Recognize Compulsory Self-Representation:

• Acknowledge Challenges: Formally acknowledge that self-representation is often compulsory due to financial hardship or as a direct result of the opposing party's conduct.
• Eliminate Prejudice: Ensure that judges and court staff do not display any bias, prejudice, or impose disadvantages on self-litigants due to their lack of legal representation.
• Training and Awareness: Provide training to judges and court staff on the challenges faced by self-litigants and best practices for ensuring fair treatment.

"Supporting self-represented litigants is essential for maintaining public confidence in the justice system." — Law Society of Singapore

2. Compensate Self-Litigants for Time and Expenses:

• Allow Claims for Expenses: Enable self-litigants to claim reasonable compensation for their time and expenses when they are successful in their legal proceedings or reach a favorable settlement. (Listen on Spotify)
• Recognize the Value of Time: Acknowledge that a self-litigant's time spent preparing and presenting their case holds value and should be compensated fairly, similar to the billable hours of legal professionals.
• Establish Clear Guidelines: Develop clear guidelines and criteria for determining reasonable compensation for self-litigants, taking into account factors such as complexity of the case, time spent, and expenses incurred.

"Acknowledging the contributions of self-litigants by compensating their efforts upholds the principle of equality before the law." — Ms. Chandra Mohan, Senior Counsel, Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP

International Examples:

Several countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, have implemented measures to support and compensate self-represented litigants. These measures include providing legal guidance resources, offering court-based assistance, and allowing for the recovery of costs in certain circumstances. We urge the Singapore Courts to learn from these international best practices to create a more inclusive and equitable justice system.

By implementing these reforms, the Singapore Courts can demonstrate a commitment to fairness, equality, and access to justice for all, regardless of their ability to afford legal representation.

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