To the The Law Society Of Singapore, Honorable Judges and Administrators of the Singapore Courts,

I call for reforms to reinforce ethical standards for lawyers and ensure that the pursuit of justice is not overshadowed by procedural technicalities. We, the undersigned, call for reforms to:

1. Reinforce ethical standards for lawyers.
2. Ensure that the pursuit of justice is not overshadowed by procedural technicalities.
3. Prevent abusive litigation tactics that exploit the court system.

1. Upholding Legal Ethics and Accountability:

• Ethical Responsibility Beyond Client Advocacy: We believe that lawyers have a responsibility that extends beyond simply advocating for their clients. Drawing inspiration from the Hippocratic Oath's principle of "do no harm" and the lessons of the Nuremberg Trials, we assert that lawyers should not assist clients in evading responsibility or infringing upon the rights of others. As Professor Simon Chesterman, Dean of the Faculty of Law at the National University of Singapore, states, "Legal professionals have a duty to uphold justice, not merely to advocate for their clients at any cost. Ethical lapses erode public trust in the legal system."
• Accountability for Unethical Conduct: Lawyers who consistently engage in unethical practices should face consequences, including fines or disbarment. This aligns with precedents like the Wirecard scandal, where legal professionals were held accountable for their inaction or complicity. (listen on Spotify)
• Application of the "Duck Rule": If an action appears, functions, and has the effect of unethical conduct, it should be treated as such. Lawyers should not be able to hide behind technicalities or the guise of defending a client's rights to excuse unethical behavior.

2. Emphasizing Substance over Form in Legal Proceedings:

• Prioritizing the Spirit of the Law: While rules, procedures, and forms are necessary for a functioning legal system, they should not be used to obstruct justice. Courts and legal practitioners must prioritize the underlying principles and intent of the law.
• Role of "Hercules" Lawyers and Judges: Inspired by legal philosopher Ronald Dworkin's concept of "Hercules," we need lawyers and judges who interpret and apply the law with integrity and moral courage, striving for just outcomes even when faced with complex or challenging situations.
• Preventing Abuse of Legal Formalism: Participants in legal proceedings should be able to appeal to the essence of the law when they perceive that opponents are manipulating procedures to undermine justice. Formalism should not be allowed to reduce the legal system to absurdity. As former Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong of the Supreme Court of Singapore aptly stated, "The law must serve justice, and it is the responsibility of the judiciary to ensure that legal processes are not exploited to defeat this purpose."

3. Simplifying the Consolidation of Related Claims:

• Prevent "Legal Shopping" and Abusive Litigation: To prevent parties from engaging in "legal shopping" or using "scattergun" or "kitchen sink" litigation tactics to harass or overwhelm opponents, the courts should simplify the process of consolidating related claims into a single proceeding. 
• Consolidate Cases Even with Different Roles: Even if cases involve different levels of court or if the parties switch roles between claimant and defendant, related claims should be consolidated to ensure efficiency and prevent abuse of the legal system. "Consolidating related legal actions promotes judicial efficiency and prevents the misuse of court processes." — Justice Quentin Loh, Supreme Court of Singapore
• Deter Bad Faith Litigation: This reform would deter bad faith litigants who attempt to gain an advantage by fragmenting their claims or initiating multiple actions on the same matter.

International Best Practices:

Many jurisdictions have rules and procedures for consolidating related cases to promote efficiency and prevent abusive litigation tactics. We urge the Singapore Courts to examine these international best practices and implement similar measures to streamline the litigation process and protect parties from harassment through fragmented or repetitive lawsuits.

By taking action on these issues, the Singapore Courts can reinforce public trust in the legal profession and ensure that the pursuit of justice remains at the heart of the legal system.

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