MICA (P) No. 064/05/2005 March — April 2006 interSINGAPOREinterSINGAPORE ACADEMYACADEMY seseOFOF LAWLAW

ModesModes ofof CommencementCommencement ofof Proceedings:Proceedings: PhasePhase 22

NewNew SearchSearch ToolTool onon LegalLegal ProspectorProspector 22 Peer-to-PeerPeer-to-Peer TechnologiesTechnologies andand RelatedRelated CopyrightCopyright IssuesIssues INTER ALIA

A number of projects, on both the courts and the (“SAL”) fronts, are entering new phases. At the level of the courts, the changes to the modes of commencement of proceedings enter a second phase of implementation. With effect from 1 April 2006, there will be only two modes of commencing legal proceedings in the courts, the writ, and the originating summons for winding up, judicial management and bankruptcy proceedings, as well as for all matrimonial proceedings. As part of this effort to streamline court processes, the relevant subsidiary legislation have also been consolidated. A summary of the changes to the court applications and the relevant subsidiary legislation is featured in this issue of Inter Se. At SAL, LawNet launches its most recent addition to the Legal Prospector 2 search engine. The “Reference Trace” research tool will allow LawNet users to accurately trace references to and annotations of primary legal sources within the Singapore Law Reports (“the SLR”). The search function is also available for all references to secondary legal sources cited in cases reported in the SLR from 2006 onwards. Additionally, the LawNet secretariat is working towards extending the search tool to cover all references to and annotations of primary and secondary legal sources in reported and unreported decisions of the Supreme Court. Every effort is being taken to ensure that the legal infrastructure is as efficient and comprehensive as possible. Yet, the legal system and all its processes and machinery would mean very little if we did not have great men and women administering and serving in it. The legal community lost one such leading light in February. After grief, what remains is the legacy of legal insight and robust case law delivered with fairness and wit that the late Justice will be remembered for. Through the Honourable Justice and the Honourable Justice , we pay tribute to the late Justice Lai Kew Chai in a fitting final farewell.

Serene Wee Director/Chief Executive Officer Singapore Academy of Law

Director/Chief Executive Officer: Ms Serene Wee • Editor: Anita Parkash • Editorial Committee: David Quark and Sherina Chan • Singapore Academy of Law, 1 Supreme Court Lane, Level 6, Singapore 178879, Tel: 6332 4388, Fax: 6334 4940 • Design: Chiang Weiyah • Advertising Sales: Florence Long, 9382 0381, [email protected] • Publisher: Lyon Low • fffffdddddddddctive Mediactive Pte Ltd, 65 Ubi Crescent, #06-07 Hola Centre, Singapore 408559, Tel: 6846 4168 • Printed in Singapore by KHL Printing Co Pte Ltd

0 INTER SE mar — apr 2006 19 Hot & Wired 14 Dos & To-DosTo Dos

21 Tech Law Watch

27 17 Dos & To-Dos Laws & Orders

Contents March – April 2006

01 Inter Alia [Cover]: Photodisc Green Our director on recent developments

03 Here & Now Phase 2 changes to the modes of commencement of proceedings

11 Post-Its ogether with this issue of Inter Se, we Judicial appointment at the Singapore Academy of Law have 12 Fare Thee Wells & Farewells prepared a handy little membership In memoriam: The late Justice Lai T Kew Chai privileges booklet especially for our members. The SAL’s membership privileges 14 Dos & To-Dos scheme has been up and running since 2002. • Law students learn from legal practitioners • Wet and mild – the waterfront lifestyle The sch