SINGAPORE, July 21 -- High Court Judge Vincent Hoong criticised inappropriate cross-examination tactics during sexual offense trials in Singapore, citing examples where lawyers made degrading suggestions to victims, including telling a rape victim's mother she "could have easily avoided" assault by crossing her legs.

In another disturbing case Hoong noted, a defence lawyer inappropriately stared at a molestation victim's breasts and asked her to stand up to demonstrate potential "motive" for the assault based on her clothing, The Straits Times reported.

Hoong, who also serves as presiding judge of the State Courts, delivered these remarks during a keynote address to Singapore Academy of Law members at a private event held on July 2, wit...