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Comparison

Read two legal systems against each other

Because every portal follows the same fifteen-section outline, the comparison is genuinely like-for-like rather than a collage of whatever each government happens to publish.

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Comparison of selected legal systems
AttributeSingaporeReviewedArmeniaReviewed
Legal familyCommon lawCivil law
System of governmentParliamentary republicUnitary parliamentary republic
ConstitutionConstitution of the Republic of SingaporeConstitution of the Republic of Armenia
In force since19651995
CapitalSingaporeYerevan
Official languagesEnglish, Malay, Mandarin Chinese, TamilArmenian
CurrencySingapore dollar (SGD)Dram (AMD)
Population5,920,0002,800,000
Division of powersUnitary and highly centralised — a city-state with no subnational legislature. Community Development Councils and Town Councils manage local services under statutory authority, but there is no federal or provincial layer and no devolved legislative competence.Unitary, with ten provinces headed by centrally appointed governors and Yerevan as a separate community with an elected council. Local self-government is guaranteed constitutionally and has been consolidated through mergers of small communities.
How law is madeThree readings in a unicameral Parliament, with committee consideration between the second and third. Most bills then go to the Presidential Council for Minority Rights before presidential assent. The President's assent is normally a formality, but bills touching the reserves or specified appointments engage the custodial powers, where the Council of Presidential Advisers must be consulted. Constitutional amendments generally require a two-thirds majority.Bills are introduced by the Government, deputies or a citizens' initiative of 50,000 voters, and pass two readings in the National Assembly. Constitutional laws need three-fifths of the total membership. The President signs and publishes within 21 days, or may return a law once to the Assembly, or refer it to the Constitutional Court. Government bills may be designated urgent, compressing the timetable.
Legal professionA fused profession: advocates and solicitors are admitted to the Singapore Bar under the Legal Profession Act after a qualifying law degree, Part B of the Bar examinations and a practice training period. The Law Society regulates solicitors and the Singapore Institute of Legal Education handles admission requirements. Foreign lawyers may register to appear in the Singapore International Commercial Court and in offshore-law matters, and Foreign Law Practices and Qualifying Foreign Law Practices operate under licence — a deliberate opening not mirrored in the general courts.Advocates are licensed by the Chamber of Advocates after the qualifying examination and the School of Advocates course, and hold a monopoly on criminal defence. Public defenders sit within the Chamber rather than a separate agency, which is unusual and makes the Chamber the main legal aid provider. Notaries are licensed by the Ministry of Justice and their authentication is required for property transactions, powers of attorney and many corporate acts.

A comparison table flattens nuance by design. Where a difference matters to a decision you are making, open both portals and read the section in full — the constitutional detail behind a one-line summary is often the part that governs the outcome.