Justice Choo Han Teck, a prominent judge in Singapore, is retiring from the Supreme Court on February 20, 2026, after three decades of service. His contributions to criminal law, revenue law, employment law and the law of tort are highly regarded. Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon praises his exemplary judicial conduct.
Justice Choo Han Teck, a distinguished figure in Singapore's legal landscape, is set to retire from the judicial service on February 20, 2026. This announcement marks the end of an illustrious career spanning three decades of dedicated public service. The Singapore Courts, in a statement released on Tuesday, January 13, highlighted Justice Choo's extensive contributions to the development of Singapore's jurisprudence.
He has presided over a wide array of cases, leaving a significant impact on areas such as criminal law, revenue law, employment law, and the law of tort. Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon lauded Justice Choo for his exemplary judicial temperament, emphasizing the high regard in which he is held by both the legal profession and his judicial colleagues. Justice Menon acknowledged Justice Choo's fairness in conducting proceedings and his ability to deliver clear and concise judgments. He further stated that Justice Choo played a vital role during a formative period for the legal system, with his diverse contributions laying the foundation for the justice system. The departure of Justice Choo will be keenly felt throughout the judiciary and the broader legal fraternity, underscoring the profound impact of his service. This transition represents a significant moment, prompting reflection on a career marked by dedication and a commitment to upholding the principles of justice.\Justice Choo's journey in the legal field began in 1980, when he embarked on his career as a legal assistant. His path took him to academia in 1984, where he served as a lawyer at the National University of Singapore. He later returned to private practice between 1988 and 1995, gaining valuable experience across different facets of the legal profession. In 1995, Justice Choo's career took another significant turn with his appointment as a judicial commissioner. His expertise and dedication led to his elevation to the position of High Court judge in 2003, solidifying his presence within the judiciary. The Singapore Courts recognized Justice Choo's integral role within the Family Division of the High Court, emphasizing that his judgments have been instrumental in shaping the landscape of family justice in Singapore. In recognition of his legal expertise and leadership qualities, Justice Choo was appointed as the president of the Military Court of Appeal in 2004, further showcasing his versatility within the legal system. In 2006, he also became a member of the Singapore Academy of Law's publication committee, contributing to the dissemination of legal knowledge and scholarship. This progression highlights a career defined by continuous growth, diverse experiences, and an unwavering commitment to the principles of justice.\A notable example of Justice Choo's judicial reasoning is his judgment in a 2024 lawsuit concerning matrimonial assets. The case involved a 63-year-old male lecturer who sought a larger share of assets, arguing that he needed to cover the expenses of his two sons' future postgraduate degrees. In his judgment, Justice Choo carefully considered the parental duty to support children's education, including tertiary education. However, he drew a distinction, stating that the obligation typically ends at the first tertiary degree. He emphasized that parents are not obligated to provide luxuries, and some educational expenses can be considered as such. Justice Choo stated that while the husband is free to provide for his children, he should not do so at the wife's expense, highlighting the legal obligation. In his statement, Justice Choo expressed his confidence in the continued evolution of Singapore's legal system. He stated that he departs with full confidence that the legal system will continue to evolve in service of the public good. This statement reflects his long-term view of the legal system and its future. The legal framework's ability to evolve and adapt to the needs of society is critical to preserving its efficacy and relevance. His career reflects a steadfast commitment to the principles of justice and a belief in the ability of the legal system to serve the public effectively
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