Justice Judith Prakash is the legal titan who has paved the way for women's success in law
Her World Singapore|October 2024
A flurry of activity has disrupted the staid silence of the Supreme Court Library. Standing between shelves of law volumes, Singapore's first female Judge of Appeal, Justice Judith Prakash, smiles for the camera during a photo shoot for this story.
Justice Judith Prakash is the legal titan who has paved the way for women's success in law

"You look great, very endearing," says the photographer. To this, Judith responds as she chuckles with amusement: "It's not a term I'm usually associated with." The petite 72-year-old strikes a strong presence. She speaks with a gentle eloquence, underlined by conviction. Judith is measured and thoughtful in her answers, but every so often, a witty quip surfaces.

For the attorneys who have presented their cases before her, she cuts a no-nonsense figure, known to admonish those who do not adhere to the strict dress code of the Supreme Court. One oftenshared anecdote tells of how male lawyers would keep a "Justice Prakash tie" in their wardrobes - in solid black, no less - for when their paths should cross.

Judith may be more stern than endearing in the courtroom, but to many women lawyers here - whether they are seasoned professionals or aspiring rookies - she is an inspiration; an example that they, too, could one day make the Bench like her.

Widely respected for her expertise in commercial law, and for being one of the first women in Singapore on the Supreme Court (the first being Justice Lai Siu Chiu in 1991) in 1992, Judith was named Judicial Commissioner, and became a Supreme Court Judge three years later. During her 31 years on the Bench, she has also served as a High Court Judge, and Justice of Appeal.

Throughout her career, Judith authored approximately 645 judgments, with over 50 per cent of them selected by a panel for inclusion in law reports. In 1991, she was part of the sub-committee that reviewed arbitration laws (which involves resolving disputes through a neutral third party who issues a binding decision) and made recommendations that led to the enactment of the International Arbitration Act 1994. It explains the steps that need to be followed during the arbitration process, and details the rights of the people involved, the powers of the arbitration panel, and what the courts can do in these situations.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 2024 من Her World Singapore.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 2024 من Her World Singapore.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من HER WORLD SINGAPORE مشاهدة الكل
Looking Ahead
Her World Singapore

Looking Ahead

Here are three national policies that are making an impact on our lives.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
Is My Adult Acne Caused By Hormonal Changes?
Her World Singapore

Is My Adult Acne Caused By Hormonal Changes?

Quinn Chen answers.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Is It Ever A Good Idea To Engage In Online Discourse?
Her World Singapore

Is It Ever A Good Idea To Engage In Online Discourse?

Sarah Bagharib answers.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Breaking Down The Benefits Of Hyaluronic Acid
Her World Singapore

Breaking Down The Benefits Of Hyaluronic Acid

Here's why this popular skincare ingredient is a potent fix for dehydrated complexions.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Heritage in a Bottle
Her World Singapore

Heritage in a Bottle

Crafted by Swiss perfumer Christine Nagel, Barenia is the first chypre fragrance from Hermes, a seductive scent that is a dance between the delicate butterfly lily and the vibrant burst of miracle berry.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
BEST IN CLASS
Her World Singapore

BEST IN CLASS

MOVING AWAY FROM INTRODUCING ENTIRELY NEW PRODUCTS, BRANDS SUCH AS SHISEIDO, CLE DE PEAU BEAUTE AND SULWHASOO HAVE CHOSEN TO GO BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD TO ELEVATE TRIED-AND-TRUE FORMULAS. THESE ICONIC CLASSICS ARE MORE EFFICACIOUS AND LUXURIOUS THAN BEFORE.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
ACTS OF SERVICE
Her World Singapore

ACTS OF SERVICE

Beauty brands are enticing customers with a range of in-store treatments and services that offer expert tips, demonstrations and pampering.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Against the rules
Her World Singapore

Against the rules

Step into the dark side with grunge-inspired moody tones and smoky, smudgy eyes.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
Singlife's Helen Shen believes in the joy of missing out
Her World Singapore

Singlife's Helen Shen believes in the joy of missing out

Losing her first-ever investment at the age of 16 crystallised one of her core beliefs, which is to avoid \"instant gratification\" when it comes to investing.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
CHALLENGING THE STATUS QUO
Her World Singapore

CHALLENGING THE STATUS QUO

As a leader, Linkedin's Feon Ng has been instrumental in creating a supportive environment where women can thrive and reach their full potential. She shares how she plans to make positive impact through her Empowerin mentorship programme.

time-read
8 mins  |
November 2024