Singapore ranked ninth globally in a rule of law index

It knocked Australia off to take the second spot in Asia-Pac.

Singapore clinched the ninth spot globally in a rule of law index for two years in a row.

The report released by US-based advocacy group World Justice Project (WJP) evaluated countries through 44 indicators across eight primary rule of law factors - constraints on government powers, absence of corruption, open government, fundamental rights, order and security, regulatory enforcement, civil justice and criminal justice.

The study found Singapore topping two of the eight categories. They are in terms of order and security, and regulatory enforcement, which are attributable to the city's low crime rate and respect for due process.

It came next to Denmark in terms of the absence of corruption.

Overall, the top three performers were Denmark, Norway, and Finland. Compared with peers in East Asia and Pacific, Singapore is second to New Zealand. Australia only came in third.

Singapore ranked low amongst 36 high-income countries under open government and fundamental rights categories. It took the 23rd and 31st spots, respectively.

The report noted that the rule of law is important in every sector of society.  "Although we may not be aware of it, the rule of law is profoundly important – and not just to lawyers or judges. It is the foundation for a system of rules to keep us safe, resolve disputes, and enable us to prosper," it said.

In a business environment for instance, an investor seeking to commit resources abroad, it said, would probably think twice before investing in a country where corruption is rampant, property rights are ill-defined, and contracts are difficult to enforce.

"Uneven enforcement of regulations, corruption, insecure property rights, and ineffective means to settle disputes undermine legitimate business and drive away both domestic and foreign investments," it explained.