SINGAPORE – In a landmark decision, the Prime Minister’s Office announced that three esteemed international judges will join the Supreme Court of Singapore for a term lasting from January 5, 2025, to January 4, 2027. This strategic move, approved by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, aims to enhance the judicial landscape of the nation.

The three renowned judges appointed are Justice Mary Howarth Arden from the United Kingdom, and Justices Anthony James Besanko and Anthony John Meagher from Australia. Their appointments reflect Singapore’s commitment to incorporate diverse legal expertise into its judicial system, thereby strengthening its global standing as a center for dispute resolution.

Justice Mary Howarth Arden

is a trailblazer in the legal community. She pursued her law studies at Girton College, Cambridge and later obtained a master of laws from Harvard Law School in 1970 as a Kennedy Scholar. In 1993, Justice Arden made history as the first female High Court judge appointed to the Chancery Division of the High Court of Justice of England and Wales. She became a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire and chaired the Law Commission from 1996 to 1999. Her tenure in various prestigious legal roles, including that of a Justice of the UK Supreme Court until 2022, has enriched her expertise across multiple areas of law, including international relations, human rights, and administrative law.

Justice Anthony James Besanko

a distinguished legal figure, earned his law degree from the University of Adelaide, finishing with first-class honors in 1977. With a robust career as a barrister in South Australia starting in 1984, he was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1994. His judicial career progressed from the Supreme Court of South Australia in 2001 to the Federal Court of Australia in 2006. Justice Besanko is also recognized for his roles in the Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory and served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Norfolk Island. He specializes in commercial law, bankruptcy, and administrative law, lending a wealth of experience in legal proceedings and appeals.

Justice Anthony John Meagher

brings a comprehensive skill set to the Supreme Court. He graduated with degrees in commerce and law from the University of New South Wales in 1976 and began his legal journey at Minter Simpson. After attaining his master of laws from London University in 1980, he became a Senior Counsel in New South Wales in 1995. His judicial contributions were notable as a judge of the Supreme Court of New South Wales and the Court of Appeal until his retirement in August 2024. Justice Meagher’s expertise spans general civil and criminal law, including complex issues in insurance, banking, corporate law, and competition law.

With the addition of these three international judges, the Supreme Court of Singapore will consist of 35 judges, which includes the Chief Justice and various other judicial roles. This pivotal development sets the stage for an enriched legal dialogue and greater international collaboration within the judiciary, ultimately aiming to elevate Singapore’s status as a premier choice for legal adjudication and arbitration worldwide.

Stay tuned as these international legal luminaries embark on a journey to shape the future of justice in Singapore!