Forum: Encourage more people to attend public court hearings
During a recent visit to a State Courts public hearing, I was the sole member of the public present, which highlighted a striking gap in public engagement.
This prompted me to consider why open court hearings – crucial for transparency and public trust – are rarely attended in Singapore compared with other countries.
Singapore's courts provide hearing schedules through an official online portal, allowing users to search months ahead. Most hearings are open to the public, except for sensitive matters held in camera. Despite this, public attendance remains low.
I wonder if the issue stems from limited public awareness or more fundamental barriers to access.
While basic online guides exist and the daily hearing information published on the portal is concise and accessible, I believe legal literacy remains a key challenge.
The volume and detail of hearing schedules can be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with legal processes. Descriptions of hearings are also often worded in ways that are difficult for laypersons to follow.
Despite reading the available online information before arriving, I still found the procedures unclear and had to seek guidance from court staff on how to observe the hearing.
Clearer communication and continued public education can strengthen engagement and support open justice. Signage at courts could also be further enhanced to encourage greater attendance.
With thoughtful improvements, courtrooms can become not just places of justice, but also spaces of learning for an engaged and informed public.
Ethan Tan
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