Two law graduates from Singapore Management University (SMU) had their admission to the Bar deferred after they voluntarily confessed to past wrongdoing.
On Mar. 9, they were called to the Bar.
Lawyers Tay Jie Qi and Shauna Low had originally been scheduled to be called to the Bar in August 2022 and November 2022 respectively.
Plagiarised multiple paragraphs for a paper
In the case of Tay, she admitted to plagiarising multiple paragraphs for a paper on constitutional and administrative law, submitted in her second year, The Straits Times reported.
This paper accounted for 30 per cent of her grade, Shin Min Daily News further reported.
A professor subsequently found that these paragraphs had been copied from another student’s paper.
Tay apologised when confronted and was issued a letter of reprimand, following internal disciplinary action by SMU.
Five marks were also deducted from her paper.
However, while the incident was recorded internally, it was not reflected on her academic transcript.
Tay then admitted to her deed during her initial call to the Bar in August 2022.
Under the Legal Profession Act, any person applying to be a legal practitioner is required to disclose “any facts” that affects their suitability to practice law.
She filed an affidavit regarding the incident when the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Law Society, which are involved in the admission of lawyers, sought for more information.
Tried to shoplift from a cosmetic store
As for Low, she admitted to being caught for shoplifting in 2016, The Straits Times further reported.
According to Lianhe Zaobao, Low had been caught stealing eyeshadow palette from a cosmetic store by security guards.
She was given a stern warning by the police and her record was sealed.
Low also disclosed a second incident in which she was investigated for drugs.
Between 2017 and 2018, Low went to a club with a group of friends.
Illicit substances in the form of Xanax pills were discovered in her sister’s bag by one of the club’s staff which resulted in the entire group being detained for investigation, Shin Min Daily News reported.
However, Low was not aware of these pills.
Chief Justice: Everyone makes mistakes. The question is whether they learn from it
On Mar. 9, Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon, in allowing Tay and Low to be called to the bar after all stakeholders said they had no objections, was quoted by The Straits Times as saying:
“Everyone makes mistakes. The real question is whether one demonstrates the capacity to learn from one’s mistake.”
He noted that both Tay and Low had been transparent in their disclosure, were remorseful and showed a capacity for change, according to Lianhe Zaobao.
In the case of Tay, Menon said that her case is not similar to the case of the students who cheated in the 2020 Bar exam as the plagiarism was isolated and had taken place some time ago prior to her admission.
In addition, Tay has been “resolute” in coming clean and facing the consequences, as well as demonstrating that she has learned from her mistaken, Menon highlighted.
As for Low, her shoplifting incident reflected dishonesty, he said. However, Low has also shown a willingness to confront her deed, and be accountable, he added.
She has also reflected on her actions and has maintained a clean record since then, Menon noted.
With regard to the second incident, Menon said that this was not pertinent as it was not a character defect but an unfortunate incident.
Menon further described the willingness of Tay and Low to face up to their actions as “heartening” and said that no further deferment was required.
Top photo by Mothership
