access to justice for litigants in person through community

Transcription

access to
justice
for litigants
in person
through
community
partnership
ACCESS TO JUSTICE FOR LITIGANTS IN PERSON
THROUGH COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
1 Havelock Square, Level 1 State Courts Complex, Singapore 059724 Telephone: +65 65574100
w w w. c j c . o rg . s g
THE COMMUNITY JUSTICE CENTRE
ANNUAL REPOR T FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 2 0 1 4
Photographs taken by Mr. Alvin Rodrigues
Seated, Left to Right:
Kong Kum Peck (Alt Dir to DS MSF),
Vice Chairman, Chew Kwee San
(Council Member, TCTF),
Chairman See Kee Oon (PJSC),
Valerie Thean (PJFJC),
Thio Shen Yi SC (President, LawSoc),
Poon Hong Yuen (DS MinLaw)
Standing, Left to Right:
Yap Su Yin (Alt Dir, CEO, TCTF),
Leonard Lee (Executive Director),
DJ Lim Wee Ming(Advisory, Civil),
DJ May Mesenas (Advisory, Crime),
Ying Oey (Asst Dir)
Not in Picture:
Ong Toon Hui (DS MSF),
Jennifer Marie (Alt Dir, DyPJSC),
Kenneth Goh (Alt Dir,Minlaw),
Gregory Vijayendran (Alt Dir, Law Soc),
DJ Wong Sheng Kwai (Advisory,FJC),
Lim Tanguy (Advisory, Law Soc)
The Community Justice Centre (CJC) is a community partnership between the public sector, the philanthropic sector,
and the legal profession to render assistance to Litigants-in-Person (LiPs) in need. A large number of court users
appearing before the State Courts are not represented by lawyers. It is essential to ensure that these self-represented
litigants understand the legal jargon and labyrinth of legal rules, present their case and cross-examine witnesses
properly and effectively, and understand judicial rulings in their cases. Without assistance to navigate the legal and
judicial process, it is possible that some within this group may be disadvantaged. Justice may not be seen to be done
if LiPs are unable to effectively understand and participate in the legal process. They may feel that they were not given
a fair hearing or were unjustly deprived of their rights.
Those who approach the CJC for help may also require assistance in other areas, and it is important that they know
how to access such services. Besides receiving assistance on legal matters, on the social aspect, the CJC also
provides interim financial (from Comcare) and food rations assistance whilst referring needy litigants to relevant social
services available at the community. By being the nucleus of this new socio-legal approach to ensure that the justice
system remains accessible to all regardless of status or race, the CJC is envisaged to be a one one-stop hub that
delivers a seamless amalgamation of services for needy court users.
Charity/IPC Registration No.: 201231446R
Registered Address
: 1 Havelock Square, Level 1
State Courts Complex,
Singapore 059724
General Telephone
: +65 65574100
Official Website : www.cjc.org.sg
Patron
: The Honourable, The Chief
Justice of Singapore
Mr Sundaresh Menon
Advisor
: Past (immediate) President
of Singapore, Mr S R Nathan
Board Members
: Mr See Kee Oon
The Presiding Judge of The State Courts, Singapore
Ms Valerie Thean
The Presiding Judge of The
Family Justice Courts, Singapore
Ms Ong Toon Hui
Deputy Secretary, Ministry of
Social and Family Development
Mr Poon Hong Yuen
Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Law
Mr Chew Kwee San
Council Member, Tan Chin
Tuan Foundation
Mr Thio Shen Yi SC
President of Law Society
Executive Director
Secretariat Auditor : Mr Leonard Lee
: M/s Allen & Gledhill LLP
: AccAssurance LLP
Launch of CJC on 1 Mar 2013
From left to right: Mr Chan Heng Kee, Perm Sec,
MSF, Mr Chew Kwee San, Council Member, Tan
Chin Tuan Foundation, Chief Justice, Mr Sundaresh Menon, then-Chief District Judge, Mr Tan
Siong Thye, Mr Beh Swan Gin, Perm Sec, MinLaw, Mr Lok Vi Ming, President, Council of the Law
Society of Singapore
introduction
contents
Board of Directors:
CO M M U N I T Y J U S T I C E C E N T R E
01
For most Singaporeans, legal issues concern intensely important and personal matters regardless of whether
they also concern large amounts of money. Liberty, family distress and trauma and the accessibility of our
justice system are the things that viscerally concern our citizens. Recognising this, the State Courts (then
known as the Subordinate Courts), in collaboration with the Ministry of Social and Family Development,
the Ministry of Law, the Tan Chin Tuan Foundation and the Law Society of Singapore established the
Community Justice Centre (CJC) in December 2012.
The key idea behind such collaborative partnerships
As highlighted in this Annual Report, more than 15,000
is to draw on each sector’s unique strengths and
people have already been provided various forms of
leverage on these strengths in an organised way to
assistance by the CJC since its inception. I would like
achieve a particular goal or outcome, with the needs
to acknowledge the collaborative efforts of CJC and its
of the end user or the community to be served taking
partner stakeholders. The Tan Chin Tuan Foundation
centrestage. The CJC is an illustration of just such an
has generously provided CJC with seed funding of
endeavour.
$250,000 a year for the first 3 years. To ensure there are
Many unrepresented court users have benefitted from
the CJC’s programmes and services. In May 2014,
the CJC in collaboration with the State Courts and
the Law Society launched the Primary Justice Project
(PJP) to make basic legal services available at a fixed
low cost with a view to resolving disputes amicably
and expediently. A significant number of practitioners
have volunteered their services for this project. I am
pleased to note that the State Courts was conferred a
FutureGov Singapore Award in April 2015 for the PJP,
The Honourable the Chief Justice
Sundaresh Menon
Message From Our Patron
It is increasingly evident that our most fundamental
economic and social problems – from water scarcity, to
access to education and health care to access to justice
– will best be resolved through the collaborative efforts of
businesses, government and civil society.
they have also gone a step further by providing strong
support in CJC’s fundraising efforts. The Food Bank
Singapore and MUIS have assisted generously in
providing much needed food supplies and vouchers
to needy court users. Volunteer lawyers give their time
and expertise selflessly and tirelessly to provide legal
assistance; some go out of their way to do even more
by helping to design and roll out new programs, or even
source for essential food items such as milk powder.
The CJC has certainly crossed another milestone this
citizen-facing programmes. The CJC will be exploring
year. More are recognising its crucial role in facilitating
how the PJP can be extended to assist even more
access to justice for unrepresented litigants. By
litigants.
adopting an innovative socio-legal approach, it has
Another notable development is the CJC’s OnSite Legal Advice Scheme which was introduced
in September 2014. It currently serves an average
of 200 litigants each month. Lawyers from various
disciplines are available on-site daily at the CJC
premises located at the State Courts. They assist
litigants with free legal advice when it is most needed,
helping them with directions on how they can proceed
the existing services provided at the HELP Centre,
improving its service delivery and bringing the
accessibility of justice to our citizens to a higher level.
sufficient funds available for CJC’s ongoing operations,
for excellence in the administration and delivery of
with their cases. This initiative strongly complements
02
message
In 2014, following its historic establishment as a new judicial institution, the Family Justice Courts became a
welcome addition to the CJC as its sixth member organisation. The FJC is an institution of critical importance
in the administration of justice as it seeks to address the problems and needs of families in distress.
become a beacon for international jurisdictions as well.
The dream is to ensure that access to justice is not
the preserve of those able to afford representation but
that in a real way, it can and will also be attainable by
the least privileged in our society. I hope that more will
recognise the CJC’s crucial role in helping to ameliorate
the difficulties faced by unrepresented litigants, and
support its efforts by contributing generously to its work.
03
CJC Annual Review: Of Family and Friends
Judicial Commissioner
Families and youth are the foundation and the future of our society. Every
family dispute is traumatic for members of the affected family. Moreover, family
dysfunction also brings in its wake a slew of other actual and potential problems.
Within this matrix, the courts play a pivotal role, resolving disputes, redressing
wrongs and restoring the balance so that dysfunction can be displaced by a focus
on constructive problem solving….In some respects, the judicial task can be likened
to that of a doctor with a focus on diagnosing the problem, having the appropriate
bedside manner to engender trust and convey empathy and the wisdom to choose
the right course of treatment so as to bring a measure of healing.
See Kee Oon
Presiding Judge of the State Courts
message
By establishing a strong community partnership with the
private sector, religious groups as well as social service
agencies, the CJC is able to develop initiatives and find
suitable alternative options to address the social, emotional
or financial needs of needy court users who come through
the justice system.
04
The CJC was established in December 2012 with the aim of assisting unrepresented litigants to attain access
to justice and find holistic solutions to their legal issues. Through a socio-legal approach, the CJC’s services
go beyond the provision of pro bono legal advice or assistance. Being the first port of call for many court users,
it is able to provide much-needed assistance in helping litigants-in-person understand court procedures and
processes.
The Honourable the Chief Justice Sundaresh
social, emotional or financial needs of needy court
Menon, speaking at the State Courts’ 2015
users who come through the justice system.
Workplan
seminar,
had
observed
that
unrepresented accused persons will “often be at
a loss and ... have many unresolved needs for
information, advice and support”. As such, the
Guidance for Plea Scheme has been expanded
so that pro bono lawyers from the Association
of Criminal Lawyers in Singapore (ACLS) or the
Association of Muslim Lawyers (AML) can be
assigned to suitable cases identified by the court
where the accused person is likely to plead guilty.
Alone we can only do so much; together we can
do so much more. The CJC collaborates with
a diverse range of partners in order to provide
relevant services that benefit our citizens. The
CJC partners with law firms to provide affordable
legal services, MUIS, Comcare and the Food
Bank Singapore to provide interim financial and/
or food aid to needy court users, law students
from the SMU and NUS to provide note-taking and
administrative duties and lay volunteers to provide
The Primary Justice Project (PJP) was launched
emotional and practical support for litigants-in-
in May 2014. The PJP currently offers basic legal
person.
advice for a fixed fee to parties in civil cases and
Family Justice is a unique field in the administration of justice. The factual matrix can be complex and more often than not,
emotions run high. Yet, whatever happens, parents remain parents, children remain sons and daughters and siblings to
each other. Familial relationships continue even after the completion of a case. When the relationship issues in a family
dispute are not addressed or resolved, the problems could recur.
In 2013, the Committee for Family Justice was formed to review the family justice system in Singapore. The Committee
recommended an integrated support system to meet the needs of youth and families in distress including the setting up of
a specialist court structure. The Committee’s recommendations were accepted and the Family Justice Courts established
with the passing of the Family Justice Act in 2014. Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon clearly encapsulated the work of the
Family Justice Courts in his speech at its opening on 1 October 2014.
More than just a change of name, the establishment of
the FJC is a restructure of our national court system. All
family related work will be dealt with under this separate
and specialised body of courts, made up of the Family
Division of the High Court, the Family Courts and the
Youth Courts. This recognises that family justice is a
specialist discipline that requires specific attention and
jurisprudential development. It also enables process
reforms for more effective case management and timely,
With this second Annual Report, the CJC is now
sustainable outcomes.
in its third full year of operation. I would like to
FJC provides access to justice for distressed families
convey my deep gratitude and appreciation to all
who cannot find good solutions by themselves. Even
our stakeholders, partners and volunteers who
as the law remains the fundamental backbone of our
have channelled their time, energy and resources
work, as equity, fairness and judicial discretion lies at
selflessly and unstintingly to the good work of
the heart of access to family justice, we need additional
the CJC. The continuing challenge for the CJC
tools and skills to ensure the lasting resonance of any
is to not merely provide a range of services that
solution put in place.
will enhance access to justice, but to ensure that
hand in hand with mediators, counsellors and a host of
The number of needy court users seeking social
service delivery standards are high and to be
associated services, because every family is different
assistance has almost doubled to eight hundred
always geared towards constant improvement.
and every child is unique.
as compared to the previous year. By establishing
As the CJC continues to reach out to work with
the answers, we seek, in each case, to give one that
a strong community partnership with the private
more partners, I would strongly encourage others
is timely, circumstance-appropriate: a step, to enable
sector, religious groups as well as social service
to contribute towards CJC’s worthy mission of
another step, and yet another, into a wider future.
agencies, the CJC is able to develop initiatives
“Access to Justice for Litigants-In-Person through
and find suitable alternative options to address the
Community Partnership”.
divorce matters. The CJC is exploring how the
PJP can be extended to assist more litigants and
this includes widening its ambit to include criminal
cases. With the introduction of the On-Site Legal
Advice Scheme in September 2014, it has clearly
increased the effectiveness and responsiveness
of CJC as a one-stop hub for those seeking legal
advice or directions in their legal issues.
such litigants, we are glad for the partnership of
the Community Justice Centre (CJC) in finding us
Court Friends. Court Friends are volunteers and
while they cannot provide legal advice, they do
provide emotional support, relevant information,
and assistance in filling out forms and in notetaking in court. We have received good feedback
from users that they appreciated the assistance
rendered. Kudos to CJC. I hope to see the FJC
and the CJC growing in this relationship and hope
also to expand the areas of collaboration and cooperation in the near future.
To this end, our Judges work
While we do not have all
Increasingly, we are seeing more litigants-in-person
coming through the court system. To support and assist
Judicial Commissioner Valerie Thean
Presiding Judge, Family Justice Courts
family justice courts
Message From Our Chairman
05
Message From Our Executive Director
Leonard Lee
Shared Commitment
The pace of change is accelerating and with that requires a
shared commitment with all our partners in fulfilling the vision
of the CJC. The CJC will need to be visibly alive to the needs of
an evolving world and to be responsive and flexible in terms of
addressing the needs of the citizens. More can be done and I
hope that you too, together with the rest of our existing partners,
can be involved and provide the support much needed for this
cause.
a litigant-in-person to make more informed decisions
The former GIC chief economist Yeoh Lam Keong has estimated
that there are 110,000 to 140,000 households in Singapore
who fit the definition of absolute poverty(1), and these include
the “working poor”, ”unemployed poor” and “poor retiree”
households. Based on Lien Centre for Social Innovation’s
handbook on Inequality, Poverty and Unmet Social Needs, an
estimated 20 to 35 per cent of households in Singapore live in
relative poverty(2). When a needy person gets involved in a
legal issue, more often than not, it is inseparable from the social
issues they are facing.
As the legal needs of the absolute poor are being met by various
schemes like the enhanced Criminal Legal Aid Scheme or the
Legal Aid Bureau for family or civil matters, many who live in
relative poverty, better known as the “sandwiched class” do not
have much recourse when faced with a legal issue as many
will not be able to engage a lawyer due to affordability reason.
The Community Justice Centre (CJC) was setup in Year 2012
to enhance the accessibility of justice for litigants-in-person
through community partnerships. The key idea behind such
partnerships is to draw each sector’s unique strengths together
and leverage on these strengths in an organized way to achieve
a particular goal or outcome, with the needs of the court users
or the community to be served taking centrestage.
I am pleased to report that the CJC has provided more
interactions to LiPs, 5,849 for the period Jan – Dec 2013 to
9,976 for the period Jan –Dec 2014. The breakdown is as
follows:-
5,981
79
3
35 35
40
757
06
5
33
2,
Guidance for Plea Scheme
Sek Keong at the Subordinate Courts’ Workplan 2010
Justice Project (PJP) is one of such schemes and in
recognition of excellence in the administration and delivery
of citizen-facing programmes, the State Courts was
conferred with a FutureGov Singapore Award for PJP this
year. It will widen its ambit to include criminal cases this
year. More will be described in this report on the various
programmes we have for needy court users.
By being the forefront in making both legal and social
assistance available to needy court users, the CJC provides
the last safety net when all things fail. Earlier this year,
Mdm Lina(3) approached the Family Justice Courts (FJC)
to file for maintenance from her ex-spouse. She held a parttime job, has two sick parents and an aging grandmother
to look after. Due to her dire socio-economic situation, she
was then referred to Mdm Rohzita, a CJC’s social service
officer based at FJC. After receiving much needed interim
financial support and food rations provided by the Comcare
Scheme and Food Bank Singapore, she was also referred
to a Social Service Office near her home for sustainable,
longer term support. She had also requested for a referral
to WDA for suitable employment so that she can be selfsufficient. After receiving these assistance, in her own
hope I can get a job soon so that I do not need to depend
vision of the CJC. The CJC will need to be visibly alive to
the needs of an evolving world and to be responsive and
flexible in terms of addressing the needs of the citizens.
More can be done and I hope that you too, together with the
rest of our existing partners, can be involved and provide
Primary Justice Project
that justice has been done.” - Then-Chief Justice Chan
affordable schemes for needy court users. The Primary
a shared commitment with all our partners in fulfilling the
Friends of Litigants in Person
outcome is not in his favour, he is more likely to accept
with our partners, also created more innovative and
The pace of change is accelerating and with that requires
On-Site Legal Advice Scheme
His prospects in his case are enhanced. Even if the
represented court users, and with a collaborative approach
on others anymore”.
CJC Links
better and participate effectively in those processes.
We have delivered timely and quality assistance for self-
assistance I gotten from CJC is beyond what I expected. I
University Court Friends
about (his) case, appreciate the court’s processes
These programmes will be further illustrated in this report.
words, “This is the first time I felt good about myself and the
Help Centre
The HELP Centre will go a long way in empowering
the support much needed for this cause.
(1) Absolute poverty is the inability to access resources sufficient to meet basic needs. This is usually measured by calculating a poverty line
(2) Relative poverty is the inability to access sufficient resources to meet needs that
a particular society regards as necessary
(3) For confidentiality purposes, her real name is not used
team cjc
summary
Executive Director
Ying Oey (Asst Director), Rohzita (Social Service Officer), Balasubramaniam (Social Service Officer), Jasmine Soh (Admin Executive),
Rokiak (Client’s Relations Officer, Criminal Matters), Fazil (Client’s Relations Officer, Family Matters), Leonard Lee (Executive
Director), Lynette Seah (Pro Bono Officer), Peggy Leong (Programme Executive), Roziana (Client’s Relations Officer, Civil Matters),
Desiree (Pro Bono Officer), Shenton (Pro Bono Officer)
07
Board of
Directors
Inclusion of MUIS as our
Partnering Agency
MAY
2014
CJC Learning Journey (1st half)
Launch of the Primary Justice Project
The CJC Annual General Meeting
Executive Director
Visit by Thai Judiciary Delegates
SEPT
2014
Inaugural Charity Golf 2014
Volunteers Appreciation Dinner
Launch of CJC Corporate Video
Pilot launch of CJC On-Site
Legal Advice Scheme
OCT
2014
Assistant
Director
Lawyers/Volunteers Recruitment
Visit by Africa’s Chief Justice Mogoeng
Staff & Volunteers’ Team Building Day
NOV
2014
Administration/
Finance
CJC Learning Journey (2nd half)
DEC
2014
Fundraising
Lay Volunteers
Development
Opening of The Family Justice Courts
Launch of Court Friends (FJC)
Programme
Development
08
MARCH
2014
calendar
organisational chart
Calendar of Events
for Financial Year 2014
Human Resource
Management
Visit by Malaysia’s Law Minister
HELP Centre/
Link Services
JAN
2015
Appointment of Mr Thio Shen
Yi SC as Board Member
Inclusion of Presiding Judge of Family
Justice Courts as Board Member
Visit by MinLaw Perm Sec,
Mr Ng How Yue
09
help servicservices
10
CJC Help Services
In 2010, the Subordinate Courts launched the HELP Centres
(acronym for Helping to Empower Litigants in Person) to assist
in providing information on court procedures to self-represented
litigants. This initiative subsequently went on to receive an
award in the United Nations Public Service Award 2012 in the
category of “Improving the Delivery of Public Services” in Asia
and the Pacific.
In April 2015, litigants-in-person were asked to
participate in a survey to look at the effectiveness
and satisfaction levels of the HELP services run by
the Community Justice Centre. The survey included
questions about the client’s most recent experience at
the centre. It asked questions about their interaction
with frontline staff, staff response times; and whether
the client’s had a better understanding and an advised
direction for their legal concern. The survey involved
Resources and assistance are available so that self-represented litigants can
obtain basic procedural information as well as information on other sources
of assistance and advice that are available. The service, available at no cost
subsequently includes the CJC’s free legal clinics, held in collaboration with
Law Society Singapore for Civil, Criminal and Family matters. For those who
are unable to attend the legal clinics, appointments can also be made at the
a total of 100 respondents through a face-to-face
interview over 6 working days.
Overall Satisfaction
A large majority of LiPs, of about 85% surveyed, rated the staff
presentation of the frontline officers at the HELP Centre at least an
8 out of a full 10 marks for both attentiveness and professionalism.
On clearer understanding of legal proceedings and confidence levels
regarding their cases after our services, the LiPs were likely to rate
highly (at least an 8 out of 10) when they were able to meet with a
lawyer for an on-site legal advice consultation session. On the whole,
most LiPs (about 70%) were highly satisfied with their experience at
the HELP Centre.
Response (Score range)
Count
Strongly Agree (10)
37
The survey form asked respondents about their
Agree (8-9)
36
satisfaction level based on their most recent contact
Somewhat Agree (6-7)
23
Neutral (5)
0
with HELP services.
Help Centres for other free legal clinics organized by the Law Society Singapore
Questionnaire topics included:
Disagree (3-4)
2
at the CJC or islandwide. A total of 5,981 LiPs had been provided assistance at
• Nature of legal enquiry
the Help Centres for the period Jan – Dec 2014.
• Attentiveness of the staff
Strongly Disagree (0-2)
2
• Professionalism of the staff
• Effectiveness of service in clarifying
Services (%) Provided to LiPs at the Help Centres
I am satisfied with the overall
experience at the HELP Centre.
legal processes and procedures
• Ideas for improving HELP Centre services
Survey responses are broken down by the nature
of the legal enquiry, as follows:
No. of respondents by
nature of the legal enquiry
2% DISAGREE
DISAGREE
2% STRONGLY
37%
SOMEWHAT
AGREE
25
37%
STRONGLY
AGREE
36%
20
AGREE
15
10
5
0
Day 1
Day 2
Civil
Day 3
Day 4
Criminal
Day 5
Family
Day 6
The majority of those in disagree and somewhat agree ranges stem from LiPs
not able to use the immediate on-site legal advice due to limited daily slots.
11
Amolat and Partners
The On-Site Legal
AdviceScheme
(OSLAS)
Advocates and Solicitors
Mr Amolat Singh has been an on-site Lawyer since it was piloted
in September 2014. A great advocate in providing the accessibility
of justice to all, it is indeed our privilege to read about his thoughts
about the scheme.
The CJC is indeed the manifestation and real-life working
of the noble mission to provide sincere and genuine help to
Based on data from the State Courts (then
everyone, especially the least advantaged members of society
Subordinate Courts) in 2010, about 70% of
Litigants-in-Person (LIPs) have Secondary
Thoughts from an On-Site Lawyer
& below education with about 60% of LIPs
earning below $1,800/- citing affordability
I consider it a great privilege and honour to be involved with the
as reasons for self-representation. Of those
Community Justice Centre (CJC) as an on-site volunteer lawyer.
Over the past few months, I have seen all people from all walks
who self-represent, about 70% encounters
difficulties
in
self-representation.
of life with a myriad variety of legal issues and problems. These
84%
range from making a simple claim for breach of contract or an
of LIPs had also indicated the need for
assessment of their chances of recovery or some preliminary advice
general legal advice to be provided by the
maintenance claims, disputes over the supply of goods and services
to more complex issues like child custody and access, cross-border
legal professionals.
Anecdotal
observation
and the like. The CJC is truly, to borrow the words of jurisprudence
writers, a temple of justice to which many a weary and bewildered
at
the
traveler on the highway of life beats a path seeking some answers,
HELP
some clarification or just making some sense of the legal morass
they find themselves in. The CJC meets the needs of litigants-in-
Centres also indicate that legal assistance
person (LIP) in the most efficient and expeditious way in that the
is the primary request from most litigants.
moment an LIP turns up at its doors, within a matter of minutes, he finds himself sitting in front of a lawyer. I have come across
However, many do not qualify for this as
many LIPs who attend at the CJC straight from an appearance or attendance in court. They come with palpable hesitation
they do not meet the means test for both
and even fear of the unknown legal landscape that they need to traverse and after the consultation session with the on-site
lawyer, leave in a much better state and with a renewed confidence that the legal terrain is not so hostile after all. They leave
Pro Bono and Legal Aid. As such, the
feeling empowered and knowing what needs to be done next. The CJC has brought access to justice that much closer and
OSLAS was piloted in September 2014 to
meet such needs and to assist litigants who
need almost immediate legal assistance
due to the urgency of their case. Available
also helped demystify the whole process. The LIP is able to eye-ball a lawyer at the session and get to clear his doubts or get
direct answers, knowing that the advice he is getting is as good as he could hope to get in an environment where the CJC is a
Delivery of Services Satisfaction Survey in %
neutral facilitator of the process and the volunteer lawyer has no vested interest in enticing the LIP to engage his services. The
CJC is indeed the manifestation and real-life working of the noble mission to provide sincere and genuine help to everyone,
especially the least advantaged members of society. It is also a human face and softer facet of a well-developed country that
looks after its least privileged members. In short, no one gets left behind.
on a daily basis on a first-come-first-serve
With the present manpower and infrastructure constraints,
basis, a lawyer will be available on-site at
time is necessarily limited for each LIP but it is hoped that
the Help Centre during office hours. The
this could gradually be expanded as some may need a
scheme had already provided invaluable
little more help in moving their cases forward. Most of the
legal advice and directions to 793 court
really need the full battle gear of a trained lawyer; just how
LIPs know the facts of their cases well and hence may not
to go about filing the papers, the forms to use, the time-
users for the period Sep – Dec 2014.
lines to observe and generally how to conduct the cases.
The feedback received from the LIPs has
been encouraging as the vast majority had
this assistance.
Satisfied
Neutral
Dissatisfied
Very Dissatisfied
on marriage, everyone would need a lawyer’s help at some
time or another. The CJC is in this sense positioned at the
frontline and the first port of call for those unable to afford
a lawyer yet not poor enough to qualify for legal aid due to
the means test apart from those who are not in this category
as there is no means test involved. It is akin to band-aid;
effective and responsive.
to know how they could avail themselves of the alternative
The CJC is truly an innovative and an ingenious initiative
It used to be said some time ago that one could go through
Very Satisfied
one’s personal rights, property ownership and greater strain
Some did not even have to go that far, they only needed
dispute resolution avenues.
indicated that they are very satisfied with
populated place coupled with a heightened awareness of
life without needing a lawyer at all but not without needing
a doctor. However, as Singapore society becomes more
advanced and its population more educated, no one can
making for a better, more effective and responsive
administration of the justice for the public at large. Access to
justice is no longer the province of the rich and mighty; now
everyone and anyone can avail to himself professional and
effective legal advice at the CJC.
claim not to need a lawyer’s services. Being a densely
12
13
our programmes
14
The University Court Friends (UFC)
The University Court Friends (UCF) was started by the State Courts (then known as the Subordinate Courts) in 2009 as a partnership between
the courts and the law schools at NUS and SMU for law students to volunteer to assist Litigants-In-Person (LiPs) from the Small Claims
Tribunal (SCT), Crime Registry and the Family Division (now known as the Family Justice Courts).
The Community Justice Centre (CJC) was then given the honour to continue this
fine tradition and partnership in January 2013. Besides providing assistance in
court processes and directions, the UCF students also provide referral services
for legal and/or social issues if the needs arise for the LiPs. Other assistances
include enabling LIPs to read and prepare documents at Small Claims and also
bail related matters. As shared by an UCF student, Ms Sandra Lye below, it is not
“The CJC has expanded its services to include a
just the LiPs who benefit from such services. The students are also exposed to
continuum of tiered programmes to deliver practical
the legal need experienced by persons who cannot afford a lawyer, understood
assistance catering to the individual needs of each
the importance of their legal training in the community and had the satisfaction
litigant-in-person.” - Judicial Commissioner See Kee
Oon, at the CJC’s Annual Report 2013
of assisting in a small way.
UCF also allows students to come into contact
with the human dimension of law. We are given
the opportunity to develop a sense of empathy,
which cannot be experienced just through mere
reading of the cases.
“We have observed that University Court Friends (UCF), organized by the Community Justice Centre is traditionally one of the most popular
and over-subscribed Pro Bono opportunities in Law School. Students are traditionally very enthusiastic about it whenever signups are opened.
This popularity owes to the fact that UCF is an excellent platform that benefits law students in areas that are outside the purview of the
classroom and syllabus Students are given greater insight into the operation of courts. In law school, we learn about the hierarchy & the distinct
operations of different courts. However, UCF allows us to go one step further into the actual operation of courts – gives us perspective into
lesser known aspects of the courts (i.e. the small claims tribunal, crime registry). Unlike what we tend to assume, not every case is heard in
Finally, UCF also allows students to come into contact with the human dimension of
law. We are given the opportunity to develop a sense of empathy, which cannot be
experienced just through mere reading of the cases. With such interaction with reallife people and contact with real-life cases, students are able to develop their own
beliefs, motivations and passion. This is congruent to one of the visions of the NUS
PBG, which is to inspire students, through our projects.
These are just 3 instances (out of many)
of how UCF has so greatly benefited us
as students in the practical realm. We also
a typical courtroom setting. This builds on our existing
hope that us as students have been of some
theoretical knowledge – first-hand experience in to
help to the courts, various divisions and (on
how the courts function
a more personal level) the LIPs, despite
Students are able to experience the application of
our limited experience and knowledge. In
legal concepts to real world legal issues and cases.
conclusion, we would like to express our
UCF allows us students to see real-life applications
thanks to the CJC, various partners and
of the principles learnt in the classroom. This brings
divisions for giving us this great platform and
our legal understanding to a higher level and gives
opportunity of UCF and we look forward to
us more practical insight, which goes past the usual
many more successful runs in the future!” –
hypos and essays that us students are exposed to
Sandra Lye, 1st year law student at NUS.
15
our programme
In understanding the challenges of the “self-help”
approach, the financial and emotional challenges
of formal court proceedings, the local legal
community has implemented a third option for
potential litigants.
The Primary Justice Project
16
In recognition of excellence in the administration
“Will this year embark on an exciting and meaningful
and delivery of citizen-facing programmes, the State
Project”. I hasten to add that despite the use of the
Courts was conferred with a FutureGov Singapore
Award this year for the PJP.
project, which we refer to as the “Primary Justice
term “Project”, this should not be thought of as a
standalone or one-off initiative. Quite the contrary –
the Primary Justice Project is intended to facilitate a
paradigm shift in our justice system.”
The Primary Justice Project (PJP) is a joint collaboration between the State Courts, the Law Society and the
Community Justice Centre. This scheme encourages the public to explore this self-help option as an interim
step to an affordable and amicable settlement of disputes before taking legal action in court which can be very
costly. The PJP is an example of forward thinking within Singapore’s legal community. The writer, Ms Michelle
Woodworth, Partner at RHTLaw Taylor Wessing LLP’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Department, has been
an integral part of the PJP planning committee. She continues to serve on the PJP working committee.
“Legal proceedings conducted through the courts
courts “will this year embark on an exciting and
are oft-times contentious, stressful and sometimes
meaningful project, which we refer to as the
a traumatic experience for participants. Alternative
“Primary Justice Project”. I hasten to add that
dispute resolution (ADR) provides an alternative
despite the use of the term “Project”, this should
for stakeholders where legal disputes can be
not be thought of as a standalone or one-off
resolved in an efficient and non-contentious
initiative. Quite the contrary – the Primary Justice
manner for the benefit of all parties. The PJP is
Project is intended to facilitate a paradigm shift in
one such recourse, and a welcomed one.
our justice system.”
Michelle Woodworth
Partner, RHTLaw Taylor Wessing LLP
As an interim step, potential litigants are assisted
by trained lawyers, who will provide basic legal
services for a fixed fee. Lawyers on the PJP panel
have at least three years of post-qualification legal
experience and have been trained in mediation or
mediation advocacy skills. The current panel of
61 lawyers have a directory of alternative dispute
resolution service providers which they can refer
their cases to. These include:
CASE Mediation Centre
Community Mediation Centre
Council of Estate Agencies (CEA)
Council for Private Education
Eagles Mediation & Counselling Centre (EMCC)
Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre Ltd
(FIDReC)
Harmony Mediation Group
Healthcare Mediation Scheme
Law Society of Singapore (Law Society Arbitration
Scheme [LSAS] / Adjudication Scheme for Pay-Out
Disputes in Conveyancing matters / Mediation for
Inadequate Professional Services / Cost Dispute
Resolve)
Marican Mediation Services Pte Ltd
MeD8 Mediation and Negotiation Excellence
Center
Ministry of Manpower
Peacemakers Consulting Services Pte Ltd
Renovation and Decoration Advisory Centre
Resolvers Pte Ltd
Singapore Mediation Centre
Singapore Institute of Surveyors and Valuers
Sports Mediation Scheme
THK Centre for Family Harmony
Office of the Commissioner of Maintenance of
Parents
WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center
The project was conceived with a vision to facilitate
Chief Justice Menon likened the terminology
access to justice by resolving disputes amicably,
of the scheme to the healthcare industry. He
expediently and more cost-effectively against
continues, “In the healthcare context, a person
the backdrop of building a pro-ADR culture. The
who falls ill will first attempt to self-medicate. If
intention is to provide litigants with affordable and
that does not work, the next step will usually be to
The project was officially launched on 9 May 2014 and in the year since its launch, there have been 56 cases administered under the scheme.
effective solutions through legal assistance and
turn to a “primary healthcare provider”, such as a
The project deals with civil claims below $60,000.00 which are beyond the jurisdiction of the Small Claims Tribunal. The second are divorce
via link-ups with ADR providers, eliminating the
polyclinic physician or a general practitioner. It is
matters with most ancillary matters (maintenance, division of matrimonial assets, and care and contact arrangements for the children) close to
need to resort to the court to adjudicate a dispute
only where a case cannot be resolved by a primary
settlement. At the Opening of the Legal Year on 5 January 2015, Chief Justice Menon said that “The State Courts will study the possibility of
as a first option.
healthcare provider then it will be escalated to the
… extending the Primary Justice Project to criminal cases so that legal assistance can be rendered to deserving accused litigants-in-person
specialist or even to hospital for in-patient care.
at an earlier stage.”
The project is a joint Collaboration between the
Like healthcare patients, litigants also attempt
State Courts, Community Justice Centre (CJC),
forms of “self-help”. Some try to negotiate with the
Law Society and other justice stakeholders,
other party, while others might seek assistance
with the CJC administering the scheme. At the
from legal clinics. If these attempts fail, they
Subordinate Courts (now the State Courts) work
plan on 1 March 2013, The Honourable the Chief
Justice Sundaresh Menon announced that the
There is a need move away from the notion that the only means
distinguished award is clear validation of the success of this project.
of achieving justice is to have a court as the final arbiter. The
It is my hope that this and other programmes continue to provide
PJP allows litigants ownership of the process of resolution of
the community with the ability to resolve legal disputes in a manner
might resort to hiring lawyers to have the matters
disputes through legal assistance and ADR.
which is constructive, collaborative and cost-effective, and that
resolved by the court.”
In recognition of excellence in the administration and delivery
of citizen-facing programmes, the State Courts was conferred
Singapore’s legal community continues to implement such schemes
for the benefit of potential litigators and other stakeholders.”
with a FutureGov Singapore Award this year for the PJP. The
17
our programmes
18
Under the Guidance for Plea Scheme (GPS), Judges can call upon the Community
Justice Centre’s current pool of GPS partners, the Association of Criminal
Friends of Litigants in Person
Lawyers in Singapore (ACLS) and Association of Muslim Lawyers (AML) to provide
immediate advice to unrepresented accused in persons such as those who cannot
Apart from the lack of knowledge in navigating the justice system,
raise bail, suffer from mental or psychiatric issues, face multiple charges, or face
LiPs may often encounter non-legal issues and emotional
a compulsory or likely jail sentence upon conviction, and who may not be aware
pressures. The FLIP programme provides volunteers (otherwise
of the court processes involved and did not qualify for the Law Society’s Criminal
known as FLIPpers) without legal training to volunteer and help
Legal Aid Scheme.
these LiPs.
The FLIP programme focuses primarily on providing LiPs with
practical and emotional support whilst assisting them with basic
court processes, such as protocols and processes of a trial
Enhanced Guidance for Plea Scheme
hearing.
Mdm Tejinder, a 74 year old housewife, found herself homeless
and penniless overnight when her husband chased her out of their
“Accused persons who are not represented by counsel will often be at a
loss and they may have many unresolved needs for information, advice, and
support.” said The Honourable The Chief Justice, Sundaresh Menon during
The State Courts Workplan 2015. As such, the Guidance for Plea Scheme
has now been enhanced and brought upstream to also include cases heard at
the Mentions Courts 23 and 26.
matrimonial home and filed for divorce. Although Mdm Tejinder
initially had a lawyer to help her through the divorce proceedings,
she had to stop the services eventually as she was not able to
keep up with the legal fees. She said:
Fazil, from CJC HELP Services,
FJC providing procedural assistance
During the State Courts Work Plan 2015 on 24 April 2015, in an interview
with Today’s Paper ACLS President Mr Sunil Sudheesan said the expanded
scheme will help accused persons clarify the viability of their defences and, in
straightforward matters, advise them to make guilty pleas earlier. “Sometimes,
the accused may not be aware of the implications of what they have said
(and) those things may jeopardise the outcome of their case,” he said.
It is very very sad that at this age I have to go for divorce,
because I need a place to stay, which is very important,
and for living and everything. As long as I am living, I
need certain things. He did not give me anything, and
even maintenance I got the order from the court and every
time he troubles me then I have to go for enforcement.
During the interview, Criminal lawyer Josephus Tan, who is a champion of pro
bono work, said the move will enhance efficiencies in the legal process. “It
is good to have somebody to handhold the accused persons. The earlier the
better,” he said. Accused persons also need to be advised on the implications
of pleading guilty, Mr Tan added. “Sometimes, people don’t understand that
the plea must be unconditional,” he said.
The GPS has helped resolve 37 cases last year. Under the eGPS, the pro
bono lawyers have already resolved 21 cases during the first three months
of this year.
Mdm Tejinder struggled with understanding the legal terms and navigating through the legal process whilst representing
herself in Court. She was referred by the courts for the FLIP programme. Besides helping her take notes, the volunteer
guided Mdm Tejinder on filing necessary documents and provided her with some emotional support.
As summed up by Mdm Tejinder
about the FLIP programme,
“There is the mental satisfaction when somebody is with you
and you feel safe and I feel safer when I have somebody with
me. Later I can check with them (on areas) which I did not
understand. Because there are many things, I tell you frankly,
I don’t understand sometimes. But with the CJC’s help, at
least when we come out we can discuss and the volunteers are
willing to sit down and devote time, which is not mandated
actually. But they are helpful that way”.
Our FLIP volunteer, Jessie Choong
Noor Marican - President of AML
The eGPS Team consists of Diana Ngaim of Quahe Woo & Palmer LLC, Sunil Sudheesan
of Quahe Woo & Palmer LLC, President of ACLS, Noor Marican - President of AML,
Dean Yeo - Senior Executive, Criminal Justice Division, Jasmine Soh – CJC’s eGPS
Co-ordinator
19
tatistical report
20
CJC Links (Legal Information and Knowledge of Social Services), formerly known as Ssiro provides social assistance to needy litigants.
Immediate assistance such as an interim financial support from Comcare and food rations/vouchers from Food Bank Singapore and MUIS
are disbursed to litigants in dire straits situation. For a sustainable and longer term social support, they will also be referred to community
partners so that appropriate and relevant assistance can be rendered to them. We have experienced a vast increase of litigants using this
service, from 477 in Year 2013 to 757 in Year 2014.
CJC continues to work closely with their
partners to improve their service quality
in reaching out to the needy LiPs.
CJC Links (Legal Information and Knowledge of Social Services)
As compared to Year 2013, there is a substantial rise for those seeking financial, employment and emotional support. The CJC will work closely
with our partners to see how better we can improve on our services. By year 2016, in addition to the current services, CJC LInKS would also be
the referral agency for LiPs applying for divorce to the appointed Divorce Support Specialist Agencies (DSSAs) in Singapore.
By adopting a collaborative approach with various partners, the CJC is able to reach out and provide relevant assistance to needy LiPs. We
have the privileged to be able to work with Mr Harold Seet, on various projects which include the on-site legal advice scheme, to be amongst the
pioneer batch of PJP Lawyers and most recently, working with partners to provide essential food supplies to litigants facing economic hardship
under the CJC Links Programme.
He says: “As a Family Practitioner, I am involved in providing
legal advice on family related matters at both the Family Justice
Courts & also at CJC; the CJC Links Programme would ensure,
at least until institutional assistance is made available, that the
immediate essential needs (such as basic meals or infant needs)
are addressed. This initiative will enable such needy litigant (such
as abandoned housewives with young infants/toddlers) could
concentrate on seeking proper redress (such as maintenance
application) without fear or worries. As a Family practitioner, I
have seen the distress caused to some of these needy litigants
first hand and also the relief/confidence in the pursuit of their legal
rights when their immediate needs were addressed. Besides that,
the very process of scouting for these food or infant items have
also afforded me untold rewards (not so much of the financial
kind) & the comfort that I am able to meet the noble call of my
honourable profession in a small little way”. He also went on to
share of his experience to younger lawyers that: “I hope that my
worthy successors, who are without doubts brighter and full of
vigour, would look beyond just their legal work/obligations and
monetary gains and aspire to meet the noble call of our honourable
profession, especially in seeking what is right for those in need;
they should lent their full support to noble causes, such as CJC/
PJP or other Pro Bono initiatives”.
Words from a Grateful Mdm Rina,
“I came to the Family Court because I want to file maintenance
from my husband. I was referred to the CJC Links by the courts’
Major (RET) Harold Seet, Lawyer and Associate
Mediator, Harold Seet & Indra Raj Advocates & Solicitors
officers when I told the courts I was completely broke. I did not know
they existed until then. I met a very kind lady by the name of Mdm
Rohzita. She was really helpful and gave me lots of encouragement.
I was very touched when she offered me some financial assistance
and food rations for my aged parents and children. That was really
very touching as this is my first time to get that kind of support from
anyone. She had also referred me to a few organizations near my
house to get further assistance”. The assistance provided by Rohzita
did not stop there. She managed to get a job interview for Mdm Rina
and she is currently waiting for the outcome of the interview.
21
our volunteers
As part of the training to be a FLIP volunteer, CJC provides soft skills training such as counseling, opportunities to observe and assist in
cases, and shadowing of an experienced volunteer. Once this is completed, volunteers are assigned cases to handle independently.
Our Volunteers
The FLIP programme is also part of Citibank’s in-house legal team’s pro bono efforts. Previous projects include updating the Community
With greater awareness and more volunteering opportunities at the Community Justice Centre (CJC), we have seen
about 743 volunteers getting involve with the organization in FY 2014. We have experienced more firms choosing to be
Shuan Wong has been a volunteer with the CJC since its inception and he shared that “The Community Justice Centre is the organizer/
involved with CJC with their Corporate and Social Responsibility projects and more lawyers wanting to work with CJC to
coordinator of a number of Pro Bono programmes open to Law school students, such as University Court Friends (UCF), Court Facilitator etc.
provide needy LiPs without lawyers greater access to the justice system.
I came to know about CJC when I started doing pro bono work at the State Courts (previously known as the Subordinate Courts). I started
volunteering in September 2012 as a UCF (Crime Registry). Later I also joined the UCF (Family) and as a Court Facilitator. Currently I am
DISTRIBUTION OF VOLUNTEERS
CJC
Legal Clinics Student Volunteers
26%
4%
OSLAS Lawyers
of an experienced volunteer.
Publicity
1%
1%
8%
0%
35%
eGPS
Fundraising
PJP Lawyers
involved in the FLIP programme.
This progression gives me much exposure that I would
not have had the chance to experience. It also gives
me insights of the same world from a different angle.
I can say that I am very glad that most clients that I
Legal Clinics Lawyers
served got less confused about the court procedure,
and were less afraid of speaking in the court which in
turn allows the court session to run more efficiently.
Volunteering with the CJC is an eye opening
Having practiced in law firms and handled various forms
“Whilst courts are meant to be a forum where people
of disputes, fellow Citibankers Ng Joo Kim and Jun Fok
approach to seek justice, many litigants without
understand how daunting it is to be involved in legal
lawyers feel intimidated by the court process,”
disputes without the assistance of a lawyer.
explains Joo Kim. “By volunteering, I believe that we
to join the Friends of Litigants in Person (“FLIP”)
programme.
The
programme,
started
by the Community Justice Centre (“CJC”), aims to
provide litigants in person with assistance in basic court
processes, in addition to offering emotional and practical
skills
assist in cases, and shadowing
FLIP
14%
support.
soft
opportunities to observe and
11%
volunteers’
provides
training such as counseling,
UFC
This was what motivated both Citi Senior Legal Counsels
22
Legal Manual used by legal practitioners to provide legal advice in legal clinics all over Singapore.
can help the less fortunate better navigate the formal
court process.”
experience for people who are about to enter the
legal profession. It gives priceless opportunities to
learn how the system works, the roles each one in
the system plays, and the various concerns other
parties, judges, lawyers, and other staffs have. I start
to realize that the world is larger and more dynamic
than the one that I live in. I have also stop to assume
that others should not have done something just
because I do not do it. I have also learn how not
to judge people prematurely without trying to fully
understand why they do what they do.” –Shaun Wong
Juris Doctor, Admission Class of 2012 School of Law
(SMU)
Volunteers with the Friends-of-Litigants-In-Person programme
“As a lawyer, I am only one person and as much as I would like to, I cannot
possibly provide legal assistance to all the underprivileged individuals and
groups in Singapore through my own efforts. Working with the CJC and
specifically by volunteering with the CJC’s “Through the Wooden Doors”
program, I have been able to share my legal knowledge with social service
professionals who meet with and serve the needy on a day-to-day basis. It
has been an absolute privilege to give back to the community in partnership
with the CJC for the last 3 years”. June Lim, Lawyer and Director, Eden Law
Corporation.
23
The Community Justice Centre’s Inaugural Charity Golf Event
Our judiciary sought not only to dispense justice fairly and
The Community Justice Centre (CJC) organized its first ever
equitably but also, with a heart. The Community Justice Centre
Charity Golf on 26 September 2014, which was followed by
a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at the Sentosa Golf Club.
is a unique charitable entity whose partnerships comprise of the
The Guest of Honour was none other than Justice Tan Siong
public, private and civil societies. Although business is about
Thye, who initiated the establishment of the CJC.
The
business
and
legal
community
of
making money, it is indeed heartening to see them giving back to
Singapore
the community, and especially so to the needy.
enthusiastically swung their clubs on behalf of corporate
social responsibility towards needy court users. The weather
said Mr Chew Kwee San, Chairman of the Charity
was fabulous as the 100 plus golfers enjoyed an 18-hole
Golf Organizing Committee.
round on the fabulous greens of the Tanjong Course where
Mr Choo Wei-Pin emerged as the overall winner.
CJC Raised
$815,000 In Aid Of Needy Court Users
The tournament itself had raised $430,000 in donations from 25
corporate and 17 in-kind sponsors and was matched one-for-one by the
government’s Care and Share Scheme, bringing in a total of $815,000.
The funds will be used to support programs to assist unrepresented
litigants, who were falling through the cracks, in finding holistic solutions
to their legal issues.
Mr Chew Kwee San,
Council Member Tan Chin Tuan Foundation
24
The preceding Charity Golf Tournament will be held
on 23 September 2015 at the Sentosa Golf Club.
25
STRAITS LAW
A d v o c a t e s
COMMISSIONERS
&
FOR
OATHS
Being a proprietary product of
SMB Electric,
M-cube is verified to the latest
IEC61439-1/2,
the international standard for
low voltage
switchboard assembly.
S o l i c i t o r s
AND
NOTARY
PUBLIC
STRAITS LAW PRACTICE LLC 9 Raffles Place, #32-00, Republic Plaza, Singapore 048619
Tel: (65) 67130200 / 6538 1300 (65) 6220 7779
Fax: (65) 6538 1311 (Litigation) (65) 6220 1602 (Corporate / Conveyancing)
Web: www.straitslaw.com.sg
M-cube is also tested for
IEC61641 for
internal arc fault containment.
Our Philosophy
Our guiding philosophy at Straits Law Practice is to provide responsive service to assist clients in dealing
with their legal issues, so as to further their legitimate interest. To this end, the touchstone in
our approach to giving clients advice is to take a holistic view that considers
matters of principle, commercial interests and cost effectiveness.
EXTENDING OUR SERVICES
TO THOSE IN NEED
M-cube is certified 2 ticks for
GreenMark
certification under our Green
Energy Initiative.
WongPartnership’s lawyers are no
strangers to pro bono work, often
actively helping those in need of
free legal aid. We strongly believe
that volunteer legal services bring
benefits to both the community
and the volunteer.
Directors: M. Rajaram (Senior Director) • N. Sreenivasan, SC (Managing Director) • Joseph Liow • Robert Wong
• Palaniappan Sundararaj • Stuart Andrew Palmer • Suresh Nair • Valerie Ang • Tan Jee Ming
• Jennifer Lim • Ahmad Khalis • Chan Lai Foong • Ahmad Nizam Abbas • Choo Si Sen (Consultant)
Associate Directors: • S. Balamurugan • Shankar A.S. • Muralli Rajaram
Senior Associates / Associates: • Daniel Zhu • Vithyashree • Judy Ang • Jeremy Choo
wongpartnership.com
• Lisa Chong • Lim Min • Nicole Oon • Bryan Tan • Claire Tan • Nicole Foo
ASEAN | CHINA | MIDDLE EAST
• Charlene Cheam • Tan Xin Ya • Lee Wei Lin • Abigail Dawes
• Leela Velayuthan (Foreign Lawyer) • Shiny VR (Foreign Lawyer)
WongPartnership LLP (UEN: T08LL0003B) is a limited liability law partnership registered in
Singapore under the Limited Liability Partnerships Act (Chapter 163A).
18 Mar 2015
Of course, many law firms can provide legal services in Asia.
But with the arrival of Rajah & Tann Asia, the game has changed.
By bringing together leading local law firms and lawyers in nine countries, we’ve created the
first unified, coherent, and authentically Asian legal services offering throughout the region.
Wherever you need us, we are Lawyers who know Asia - doing business on our own turf,
firmly rooted in a part of the world that we know and understand as only locals can.
sho we are one team, with one shared goal: to give our clients home advantage.
In short,
cambodia | china | indonesia | laos | malaysia | myanmar | singapore | thailand | vietnam
www.rajahtannasia.com
Address: No.15 Senoko Avenue, Singapore 758305
Tel : 6756 0988 │ Website : www.smbelectric.com
SINGAPORE • MALAYSIA • AUSTRALIA • INDONESIA
The benefactor list recognizes individuals and
Customer Capital Consulting Pte Ltd
organizations that have made cash or in-kind
Drew and Napier LLC
gifts in FY 2014 ending 31 Mar 2015 to support
Eng Bak Chim
CJC.
Foo Chuan Kit
We also want to take this opportunity to extendour
sincere appreciation to donors who requested
anonymity. Great care was taken to make this
report as accurate as possible. We apologized
if anyone was mistakenly omitted or incorrectly
listed.
Founding Benefactor
Centre
Ho Man Cheung
Hong Leong Foundation
Janet Wang
Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple
Kwang Yee Ling
Lim Kim Lian Lorraine
National Council of Social Services – Care
Volunteer
Heng Gek Hwah
Liew Thiam Leng
Grants
National
Harry Elias Partnership LLP
Lee Foundation
Tan Chin Tuan Foundation
& Share Movement
Guthrie Engineering (S) Pte Ltd
and
Philanthropy
The ComCare Fund
Benefactors (In Cash)
Allen and Gledhill LLP
Andrew Cheong Fook Onn
Asia Polyurethane Mfg Pte Ltd
Audrey Koh
Binjai Tree
Cavinder Bull
Chan Lui Ming Ivan
Chang Kok Wai
Chen Yee Seng Colin
Chen Zhi Yong Dennis
Chew Kwee San
Chiah Kok Khun
Chosen Holdings Ltd
Clifford Chance Pte Ltd
Coolcore Singapore Pte Ltd
Lisa Tucker – Kellogg
Lok Joo Pte Ltd
Loo Kuen Feng
Low Pei Sze Olivia
May Lucia Mesenas
Nakhoda Adam
Ng Peng Hong
Ng Wei Yu
Ong Yeow Chon
Ong Yu En
Rajah and Tann Singapore LLP
Refine Construction Pte Ltd
See Kee Oon
Sephia Pte Ltd
Singapore Totalisator Board/Turf Club
Singapore
SMB Electric Systems Pte Ltd
Straits Law Practice LLC
Tan Pei Jing
Tan Sook Leng
Wong Partnership LLP
Benefactors (In Kind)
Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS)
Messrs Harold Seet &
Indra Raj Advocates & Solicitors
SBCC Baby & Child Clinic, Asthma,
Lung, Sleep & Allergy Centre
The Food Bank Singapore
Triumph Drilling (S) Pte Ltd
nancial statement
Our financial statements are drawn up so
as to give a true and fair view of the state of
affairs of the Company as at 31 March 2015.
Directors’ Report and Financial Statements
Directors’ Report
Financial Year Ended 31 March 2015
The directors present their report to the members together with the audited financial statements of the Company for the
financial year ended 31 March 2015.
Contractual benefits of directors
The directors of the Company in office at
the date of this report are:
of the Company has received or become entitled to
receive a benefit which is required to be disclosed
Ong Toon Hui
under section 201(8) of the Companies Act, Chapter
Chew Kwee San
32
contents
Yap Su-Yin
Since the beginning of the financial year, no director
(alternate to Chew Kwee San)
50, by reason of a contract made by the Company or
Thio Shen Yi
a related corporation with the director or with a firm of
See Kee Oon
which he is a member, or with a company in which he
Poon Hong Yuen
has a substantial financial interest, except as disclosed
Thean Pik Yuen Valerie
(appointed on 2 January 2015)
Suriyiacala Jennifer Marie
(alternate to See Kee Oon)
Goh Chien Lyn Kenneth
(alternate to Poon Hong Yuen)
(appointed on 1 August 2014)
Kong Kum Peck
(alternate to Ong Toon Hui) Gregory Vijayendran
Ganesamoorthy
(alternate to Thio Shen Yi)
(appointed on 10 April 2015)
in the financial statements.
Share options
The Company is a company limited by guarantee.
There were no share options or unissued shares under
option.
(appointed on 29 April 2015)
Independent auditors
The independent auditors, AccAssurance LLP, have
expressed their willingness to accept re-appointment.
Arrangements to enable directors to acquire
shares and debentures
The Company is a company limited by guarantee and
On behalf of the directors,
have no share capital.
Directors’ interests in shares and debentures
The Company is a company limited by guarantee. There
were no shares or debentures issued.
See Kee Oon
Director
13 May 2015
Chew Kwee San
Director
33
Statement By Directors
Independent Auditors’ Report
to the Members of The Community Justice Centre
Limited (Registration No: 201231446R)
design audit procedures that are appropriate in
the circumstances, but not for the purpose of
Report on the Financial Statements
In the opinion of the directors,
We have audited the accompanying financial statements
of
(A) The accompanying statement of comprehensive income, statement of financial position, statement of changes in equity, statement of cash flows and notes thereto are drawn up so as to give a true and fair view of
the state of affairs of the Company as at 31 March 2015 and of the results, changes in equity and cash flows
of the Company for the financial year then ended; and
(B) At the date of this statement there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay
its debts as and when they fall due.
The
Community
Justice
Centre
Limited
(the
“Company”), which comprise the statement of financial
position as at 31 March 2015, and the statement of
comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity
and statement of cash flows for the financial year then
ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies
and other explanatory information.
Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation of financial
statements that give a true and fair view in accordance
The board of directors approved and authorised these financial statements for issue.
with the provisions of the Singapore Companies Act,
Chapter 50 (the “Act”), the Singapore Charities Act,
Chapter 37 (the “Charities Act”) and Singapore Financial
Reporting Standards, and for devising and maintaining
a system of internal accounting controls sufficient
to provide a reasonable assurance that assets are
safeguarded against loss from unauthorised use or
disposition; and transactions are properly authorised
and that they are recorded as necessary to permit the
On behalf of the directors,
Chew Kwee San
Director
(Registration No: 201231446R)
and
the
reasonableness
of
well as evaluating the overall presentation of the
financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have
obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide
a basis for our audit opinion.
Opinion
In our opinion, the accompanying financial
statements are properly drawn up in accordance
with the provisions of the Act, the Charities Act
and Singapore Financial Reporting Standards
so as to give a true and fair view of the state of
affairs of the Company as at 31 March 2015 and
the results, changes in equity and cash flows of
the Company for the financial year ended on that
date.
In our opinion, the accounting and other records
have been properly kept in accordance with the
provisions of the Act.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
During the course of our audit, nothing has come
our audit in accordance with Singapore Standards on
during the year:
ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit
accordance with the objectives of the Company
financial statements based on our audit. We conducted
to our attention that caused us to believe that
Auditing. Those standards require that we comply with
a. The use of the donation moneys was not in
to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial
as required under regulation 11 of the Charities
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit
(Institutions of a Public Character) Regulations;
and
evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the
b. The Company has not complied with the
on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment
expenses) of the Charities (Institutions of a
financial statements. The procedures selected depend
requirements of regulation 15 (Fund-raising
of the risks of material misstatement of the financial
Public Character) Regulations.
those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal
AccAssurance LLP
Public Accountants and Chartered Accountants
Singapore
statements that give a true and fair view in order to
13 May 2015
controls relevant to the entity’s preparation of financial
used
accounting estimates made by management, as
required by the Act to be kept by the Company
statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making
34
policies
maintain accountability of assets.
statements are free from material misstatement.
The Community Justice Centre Limited
evaluating the appropriateness of accounting
Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements
Auditor’s Responsibility
Director
13 May 2015
entity’s internal controls. An audit also includes
preparation of true and fair statement of comprehensive
income and statement of financial position and to
See Kee Oon
expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the
35
financial statement
Statement of Comprehensive Income
Statement of Financial Position
For the financial year ended 31 March 2015
Revenue
As of 31 March 2015
NOTE
2015
2014
5
1,492,571
303,727
Audit fee
(2,188)
(2,000)
(70)
–
(312,557)
(199,248)
(91,602)
–
IT infrastructure
(22,574)
–
Meeting expense
(2,074)
–
Membership fee
(210)
(69)
Medical expenses
(274)
(105)
Minor assets expensed off
(5,201)
(12,179)
Miscellaneous expenses
(3,377)
(2,388)
PJP lawyer fee
(13,637)
–
(611)
–
Publicity expenses
(1,490)
(20,325)
Printing and stationary
(43,698)
(8,008)
Programme expense
(43,393)
–
–
(3,075)
Secretariat services
(16,960)
–
Staff training
(13,304)
(2,163)
Staff insurance
(5,818)
(3,947)
Telecommunication
(4,580)
(3,168)
Transportation
(1,055)
(311)
Utilities
(2,278)
(976)
$905,620
$45,765
Bank charges
Fundraising expenses
Postage and courier
Recruitment expenses
Net income and total
comprehensive
income for the year
36
NOTE
ASSETS
2015
2014
$
$
803,612
57,725
–
Current assets
Other Items of Expense
Employee benefits expenses
6
The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements
Cash and cash equivalents
7
Trade and other receivables
8
Total assets
158,595
962,207
57,725
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Trade payables
9
3,221
2,000
Other liabilities
10
1,221
–
4,442
2,000
957,765
55,725
951,385
45,765
6,380
9,960
957,765
55,725
Total liabilities
Net assets
FUNDS
Unrestricted Funds
Accumulated Fund
Restricted Funds
Community Justice Centre ComCare Fund
11
Total Funds
Statement of Changes in Equity
Accumulated Fund
Current Year
Opening balance at 1 April 2014
45,765
Total comprehensive income for the year
905,620
Closing balance at 31 March 2015
$951,385
Previous Year
Opening balance at date of incorporation
–
Total comprehensive income for the year
45,765
Closing balance at 31 March 2014
$45,765
37
Statement of Cash Flows
Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of preparation
Cash flows from operating activities
2015
Net profit and operating cash flows
2014
905,620
before changes in working capital
(158,595)
1,221
Trade payables
1,221
Other liabilities
749,467
Net cash flows from operating activities
in
Community
Justice
(3,580)
(3,580)
ComCare Fund
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
745,887
Beginning of financial year
57,725
End of financial year (Note 7)
803,612
be reliably measured, it is probable that the
The financial statements have
been prepared under the historical cost convention,
except as disclosed in the accounting policies below.
These financial statements are presented in Singapore
dollar, which is the Company’s functional currency. The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with
1. General information
The Community Justice Centre Limited (“Company”) is a
company limited by guarantee, incorporated and domiciled
in Singapore. The address of its registered office is 1
Havelock Square, #01-00 Subordinate courts, Singapore
059724.
The Company is principally engaged in the following
activities:
a. To provide assistance to Litigants in Person who appear before the State Courts of Singapore (“LIPs”) to avoid disadvantaging such LIPs as a result of not being represented by lawyers;
b. To assist and help LIPs in understanding the relevant
legal rules, terminology, court procedures and other aspects of the legal system to enhance their access to the legal system;
c. To provide an integrated one-stop hub to provide and policies.
It also requires the use of certain critical
accounting estimates and assumptions.
The areas
involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or
areas where assumptions and estimates are significant
to the financial statements are disclosed in Note 3.
Changes and adoption of financial reporting
standards
On 1 April 2014, the Company adopted the new or
amended FRS and INT FRS that are mandatory for
accounting policies have been made as required,
in accordance with the transitional provisions in the
These notes form an integral part of and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying financial statements.
Standards (“FRS”).
application from that date. Changes to the Company’s
Notes to the Financial Statements
38
The
in accordance with Singapore Financial Reporting
in the process of applying the Company’s accounting
Committee
facilitate various support services to LIPs;
These financial statements have been prepared
FRS requires management to exercise its judgement
Cash flows from financing activities
Changes
financial statement
d. To provide various services and programmes for the purposes of supporting and assisting LIPs;
e. To develop and implement public o utreach and educational programmes and community services and programmes targeted at the community at large in Singapore who may be potential LIPs or have other interests in the court or legal systems;
respective FRS and INT FRS.
The adoption of these new or amended FRS and INT
FRS did not result in material changes to the Company’s
policies and did not require any material modification of
the measurement methods or the presentation in the
financial statements.
Future changes
standards
in
financial
reporting
Certain new or amended FRS and INT FRS have been
f. To develop other services and programmes for the published and are mandatory for the Company’s future
other abovementioned objects of the Company as may early. None of these is expected to have a material
assistance of LIPs or for the furtherance of any of the financial years and which the Company has not adopted
be decided upon by the directors of the Company
effect on the financial statements of the Company for
The financial statements for 2014 cover the financial year
from the date of incorporation, 28 December 2012 to 31
March 2014.
The financial statements for 2015 cover
the twelve months ended 31 March 2015. Therefore, the
comparative amounts for the statement of comprehensive
income, statement of changes in equity, statement of cash
flows and related notes are not entirely comparable.
the following financial year.
Revenue recognition
Revenue is the fair value of the consideration received
or receivable from the gross inflow of economic benefits
during the financial year arising from the ordinary course
of the Company’s activities. Revenue is presented, net
of value-added tax, rebates and discounts.
Company
recognises
revenue
when
the amount of revenue and related cost can
collectability of the related receivables is
reasonably assured and when the specific
criteria for each of the Company’s activities are
met as follows:
Donations:
accounted
for
Revenue from donations is
when
received,
except
for
committed donations that are recorded when the
commitments are signed.
Government grants:
Grants from the
government are recognised as a receivable
at their fair value when there is reasonable
assurance that the grant will be received and
the Company will comply with all the attached
conditions.
Government grants receivable
are recognised as income over the periods
necessary to match them with the related costs
which they are intended to compensate, on a
systematic basis. Government grants relating
to assets are deducted against the carrying
amount of the assets.
Programme
revenue:
Revenue
from
providing administrative services for the Primary
Justice Project is accounted for when received.
Employee compensation
Defined contribution plans: Defined contribution
plans are post-employment benefit plans under
which the Group pays fixed contributions into
separate entities, such as the Central Provident
Fund and will have no legal or constructive
obligation to pay further amounts. Obligations
for contributions to defined contribution pension
plans are recognised as an employee benefit
expense in profit or loss in the periods during
which services are rendered by employees.
Bonus and profit sharing: The Company
recognises a liability and an expense for bonuses
and profit-sharing when there is a contractual
obligation to pay or when there is a past practice
that has created a constructive obligation to pay.
39
financial statement
Significant Accounting Policies
Annual
leave
entitlements:
Employee
entitlements to annual leave are recognised when
arenon-derivative financial assets with fixed or
the estimated liability for annual leave as a result of
active market. Loans and receivables are recognised
year end.
transaction costs. Subsequent to the initial recognition,
Income taxes
effective interest method, less any impairment losses.
they accrue to employees. A provision is made for
determinable payments that are not quoted in an
services rendered by employees up to the financial
initially at fair value plus any directly attributable
these are measured at amortised cost using the
As a charity, the Company is exempt from tax on
income and gains falling within section 13U (1) of the
Income Tax Act to the extent that these are applied to
its charitable objects.
Cash and cash equivalents comprise of cash
balances and call deposits with original maturities
of three months or less.
For the purpose of the
statement of cash flows, pledged deposits are
excluded whilst bank overdrafts that are repayable
on demand and that form an integral part of the
Company’s cash management are included in cash
and cash equivalents.
equivalents, are presented as current assets, except
for those expected to be realised later than 12 months
non-current assets.
c. Held-to-maturity financial assets: As at the financial year end, there was no financial asset classified in this
category.
d. Available for sale financial assets: As at the financial
year end, there was no financial asset classified ithis category.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net
Financial assets
Classification, initial recognition and subsequent
measurement:
The financial assets are classified in the categories
set out below.
Loans and receivables comprise of cash and cash
after the financial year end which are presented as
The classification depends on the
amount reported in the statement of financial position
when there is a legally enforceable right to offset and
there is an intention to settle on a net basis or realise the
asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Items of plant and equipment are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.
The cost of an item of plant and equipment initially recognised includes its purchase price and any cost that is directly
attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner
intended by management.The Company’s policy is to capitalise those plant and equipment items whose costs are
individually more than $3,000. On disposal of an item of plant and equipment, the difference between the disposal
proceeds and its carrying amount is recognised in profit or loss. Any amount in revaluation reserve relating to that asset
is transferred to retained profits directly.
Financial Liabilities
Classification and initial recognition:
The financial liabilities are classified in the categories set out below. The classification depends on the nature of the
liability and the purpose for which the liabilities were incurred. Management determines the classification of its financial
liabilities at initial recognition.
Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are recognised on the trade date, which is the date that the Company becomes
a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Other financial liabilities are recognised on the date that they are
originated. The initial recognition of financial liabilities is at fair value, normally represented by the transaction price.
Subsequent measurement:
a. Liabilities at fair value through profit or loss: As at
the financial year end, there was no financial liability
classified in this category.
Derecognition:
the classification of its financial assets at initial
cash flows from the financial assets have expired or
financial assets, re-evaluates this designation at
substantially all risks and rewards of ownership.
Loans and receivables are recognised on the date
carrying amount and the sale proceeds is recognised in
are recognised on the trade date, which is the date
relating to that asset is reclassified to profit or loss.
provisions of the instrument. The initial recognition of
Impairment:
by the transaction price.
or loss are assessed to determine whether there is any
a. Financial assets at fair value through profit or each financial year. These assets are impaired if there
Provisions
occurred after the initial recognition and that the loss
legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events,
Management determines
A financial asset is derecognised when the rights to receive
recognition and in the case of held-to-maturity
have been transferred and the Company has transferred
each financial year end.
disposal of a financial asset, the difference between the
that they are originated. All other financial assets
profit or loss. Any amount in other comprehensive income
that the Company becomes a party to the contractual
financial assets is at fair value, normally represented
loss: As at the financial year end, there was no financial asset classified in this category.
On
Financial assets not carried at fair value through profit
objective evidence that they are impaired at the end of
is objective evidence indicating that a loss event has
and the related decrease can be objectively measured.
The carrying amount of the asset previously impaired is
increased to the extent that the new carrying amount does
not exceed the amortised cost had no impairment been
recognised in prior periods. For impairment of available
for sale financial assets, the cumulative loss that was
previously recognised in other comprehensive income
is reclassified to profit or loss. The cumulative loss is
measured as the difference between the acquisition cost
(net of any principal repayments and amortisation) and
the current fair value, less any impairment loss previously
recognised as an expense. The impairment losses
recognised as an expense on equity securities are not
reversed through profit or loss.
Plant and equipment
nature of the asset and the purpose for which the
assets were acquired.
40
b. Loans and receivables: Loans and receivables
event has a negative effect on the estimated future cash
flows of that asset that can be estimated reliably. For
impairment of loans and receivables and held to maturity
financial assets, the carrying amount is reduced through
the use of an impairment allowance account which
is calculated as the difference between the carrying
amount and the present value of estimated future cash
flows, discounted at the original effective interest rate.
When such asset becomes uncollectible, it is written off
against the allowance account. Subsequent recoveries
of amounts previously written off are recognised against
the same line item in profit or loss. The impairment
allowance is reduced through profit or loss in a subsequent
period when the amount of impairment loss decreases
b. Other financial liabilities: All liabilities that are not
classified in other category fall into this category. These
liabilities are initially recognised at fair value, net of
transaction costs and subsequently carried at amortised
cost. Any difference between the proceeds, net of
transaction costs and the redemption value is recognised
in profit or loss over the period of the borrowings using
the effective interest method. Other financial liabilities
comprise of accrued liabilities, are presented as noncurrent liabilities unless they are expected to be settled
within 12 months after the financial year end.
Derecognition:
The Company derecognises a financial liability when its
contractual obligations are discharged, cancelled or expire.
Provisions are recognised when the Company has a present
it is more likely than not that an outflow of resources will
be required to settle the obligation and the amount has
been reliably estimated. Provisions are measured at the
present value of the expenditure expected to be required
to settle the obligation using a pre-tax discount rate that
reflects the current market assessment of the time value of
money and the risks specific to the obligation. The increase
in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised
in the statement of comprehensive income as finance
expense. Changes in the estimated timing or amount of
the expenditure or discount rate are recognised in profit or
loss when the changes arise.
3. Critical Judgements, Assumptions
and Estimation Uncertainties
There were no critical judgements made in the process
of applying the accounting policies that have the most
significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial
statements. There were no key assumptions concerning
the future, and other key sources of estimation uncertainty
at the end of the financial year, that have a significant risk
of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of
assets and liabilities in the future financial years.
41
Related Parties
Cash And Cash Equivalents
Related parties’ transactions:
Related parties comprise mainly companies which are controlled or significantly influenced by the key
management personnel and their close family members.
Key management remuneration:
2014
Remuneration of key management of the Company
$95,005
$116,354
Contributions to defined contribution plans
$11,350
$4,800
$106,355
$121,154
Revenue
Government grants
Donations
Primary Justice Project fee (a)
Tax-exempt receipts issued for
donations collected (b)
a.
Cash and cash equivalents:
Not restricted in use
2015
2014
$803,612
$57,725
The interest earning balances are not significant.
2015
Revenue:
2015
2014
$535,379
$50,924
$940,650
$16,542
Trade And Other Receivables
Trade and other receivables:
2015
2014
Trade receivables
Outside parties
$400
_
Other receivables
Accrued government grants
$158,195
$158,595
$252,803
–
$1,492,571
$303,727
$882,430
$226,795
Accrued government grants are funds receivable from National Council of Social Service (“NCSS”)
Care and Share programme implemented on 1 December 2013. NCSS had committed $1,160,131
of funds to support the following activities of the Company up to 31 March 2019:
a.
Capability building;
c.
New programmes; and
b.
The Primary Justice Project is a joint collaboration between the State Courts, the Law Society and
the Company. This project aims to encourage the public to explore amicable settlement of disputes
before taking legal action in court as it provides an interim step between self-help and commencing
d.
Capacity building;
Critical existing needs
At the end of the financial year, $816,105 committed by NCSS had not been utilised.
action in the courts.
Trade Payables
b. The Company enjoys a concessionary tax treatment whereby qualifying donors are granted 2.5
times tax deduction made to the Company. This tax status was granted on 25 January 2013 and
valid until 24 January 2018 under the Charities (Institutions of a Public Character) Regulations 2007
of the Charities Act (Chapter 37).
Trade payables:
2015
2014
Accrued liabilities
$3,221
$2,000
Employee Benefits Expenses
42
Other Liabilities
Employee benefits expenses:
2015
2014
Employee benefits expenses
$277,205
$187,381
Other liabilities:
Contributions to defined contribution plans
$35,352
2015
2014
$11,867
$312,557
$199,248
Deferred revenue
$1,221
_
financial statement
43
financial statement
Community Justice Centre ComCare Fund
Key management remuneration:
Balance at beginning of the financial year
Funds received
Disbursement made
Balance at end of the financial year
2015
2014
$9,960
–
($3,580)
_
$10,000
($40)
$6,380
$9,960
Represented by:
$6,380
$9,960
The carrying amount of financial assets in the statement of financial position represents the Company’s maximum exposure
to credit risk, before taking into account any collateral held and financial guarantee provided. The Company does not hold
any collateral in respect of its financial assets.
Credit exposure to an individual counterparty is restricted by credit limits that are approved by management based on credit
evaluation efforts, and the payment profile and credit exposure of these counterparties are continuously monitored. Credit
risk to bank deposits is limited because the counterparties are banks with high credit ratings assigned by international
credit-rating agencies. The trade and other receivables at 31 March 2015 are amounts due from the litigants-in-person for
the Primary Justice Project which were subsequently fully paid as well as government grants receivable.
The Community Justice Committee ComCare Fund (“CJCCF”) is established under the ComCare Endownment
Liquidity risk:
financial relief to tide over their current situation. CJCCF received a fund of $10,000 from the Ministry of Social and
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will encounter difficulty in meeting the obligations associated with its financial
Fund and its purpose is to provide immediate assistance to qualifying individuals who require urgent and temporary
Family Development (“MSF”) at its inception on 20 February 2014. MSF will provide an annual top-up on 1 April
to bring the fund balance to $10,000.
liabilities that are settled by delivering cash or another financial asset.
Management continuously monitors the maturity of financial liabilities against the Company’s liquidity reserve comprising
of cash and cash equivalents to ensure that there will always be, as far as possible, sufficient liquidity to meet its liabilities
Financial Risk Management
when due.
Classification of financial instruments and fair value measurements:
The Company’s financial instruments at the financial year end are analysed below by the categories
defined by FRS 39.
Financial Liabilities:
Financial liabilities
Trade payables
2015
2015
_
$158,595
$962,207
$57,725
_
$57,725
$3,221
$2,000
The carrying amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities at amortised cost are assumed to approximate their
non-derivative
financial
liabilities
of
the
Company at the financial year end are analysed
below into their relevant maturity groupings. The
amounts disclosed below are undiscounted cash
flows based on the earliest possible contractual
fair values. There are no significant fair value measurements recognised in the statement of financial position.
maturity except for those due within 1 year as
Financial risk factors:
significant.
The Company is exposed to credit risk, liquidity risk and
are followed: All financial risk management activities
risk) in its normal course of its business. The overall
staff.
effects from the unpredictability of financial markets on
been no changes to the exposures to risk, objectives,
market risk (including currency risk and interest rate
are carried out and monitored by senior management
risk management strategy is to minimise any adverse
carried out following good market practices.There have
its financial performance.
policies and processes for managing the risk and the
Risk management framework:
Key management personnel who are directors and
executive committees of the Company are responsible
to develop and monitor the risk management policies.
Management has certain practices for the management
of financial risks. However, these are not documented
in formal written documents. The following guidelines
44
The
All financial risk management activities are
methods used to measure the risk.
Credit risk:
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Company
if a customer or counterparty to a financial instrument
the impact of discounting is not expected to be
Financial risk management :
Less Than 1 Year
31 March 2015
Trade payables
31 March 2014
Trade payables
$3,221
$2,000
Management does not expect the above cash flows to occur significantly earlier than their maturity groupings or at
significantly different amounts.
Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in interest rates will have an adverse effect of the Company’s profits and value
of its holdings of financial instruments.
The interest rate risk exposure is not considered to be significant as the interest bearing balances of the financial
instruments of the Company are not significant.
fails to meet its contractual obligations, and arises
principally from the Company’s cash and cash
equivalents.
45

access to justice for litigants in person through community

Transcription

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