Criminal Law in Singapore
Criminal Law
Caning in Singapore
Caning in Singapore often leads to lively debate. Recently, the discussion centred around whether the current exemption for men above 50 years old should be lifted for sex offences against children. Those arguing for lifting the exemption say that caning was inherited from British rules that were applicable in an era when the life expectancy for men was around 48 years. These days, it is argued that men in their...
Criminal Law
Pornography Laws in Singapore
In the digital world, accessing pornographic content is easier than ever. Although Singapore is known for its strict regulations, you might be surprised to hear that accessing pornographic sites and watching pornographic material is not illegal in Singapore. However, while it may be legal to watch pornography, there are strict laws against possession, downloading pornographic content from the internet, or buying and selling pornographic material. The Films Act, Undesirable Publication...
Criminal Law
Is OnlyFans Legal in Singapore?
After a Singaporean OnlyFans content creator was jailed and fined for posting obscene materials on the site and breaching police orders to stay off the site, many Singaporeans are questioning whether OnlyFans is legal in Singapore. The 22-year-old was charged with uploading 32 explicit photographs and 29 videos onto the online platform. He was fined S$3,000 and sentenced to jail for three weeks after accessing the site against police orders...
Criminal Law
Guide to Defamation in Singapore
Defamation is a civil and criminal offence in Singapore, but the legal position is not always clear-cut. The law of defamation has been made more complicated with the internet and social media platforms, which allow 24/7 publication from anyone with a device. The world now has a voice, but the oxygen of publicity carries with it responsibility and, ultimately, legal implications. The law of defamation Section 499 of the Penal...
Criminal Law
Guide to Outrage of Modesty in Singapore
Outrage of modesty is also known as the crime of molestation in Singapore. There is no legal definition of modesty, so each case must be considered on its own merits. However, certain defined elements must be present for a successful prosecution, and lots of precedents exist in the courts. There are also sentencing guidelines which reflect specific elements regarding the offence of outrage of modesty, plus any aggravating factors. Offenders...
Criminal Law
Breach of Fiduciary Duty
A fiduciary is somebody who has a relationship of duty and trust with another person. It is a relationship of power, and because of this, some strict duties and responsibilities accompany it. The person to whom the fiduciary owes a duty is usually dependent and/or vulnerable. Consequently, there are stated and implied laws which protect this relationship from exploitation or abuse. If a fiduciary duty is breached, remedies are available...
Criminal Law
Manslaughter vs. Murder in Singapore
Murder and manslaughter both result in the taking of a life, but the perpetrator’s intention and the circumstances of the event can reduce a charge of murder to manslaughter. In Singapore, manslaughter is called culpable homicide. The appropriate classification of an offence will depend upon the perpetrator’s intention and the circumstances surrounding the execution of the act. Penalties for either crime in Singapore are severe, with the death penalty applicable...
Criminal Law
Reckless or Dangerous Driving in Singapore
Reckless or dangerous driving is a serious offence in Singapore with a range of penalties and punishments. These vary according to the past record of the driver, plus the outcome of any accident or incident. Every incident of reckless or dangerous driving is unique, but there are often some common elements; speeding may be one. Other examples being the influence of drugs or alcohol. The different components involved determine how...
Criminal Law
Driving Related Offences in Singapore
Driving-related offences in Singapore relate to the behaviour and actions of a driver in a vehicle and are commonly described as road traffic offences. They are governed by the Road Traffic Act (RTA). Road traffic offences are distinct from offences relating to a vehicle which come under the jurisdiction of the Land Transport Authority (LTA). Driving-related offences are taken seriously in Singapore and can lead to a fine, imprisonment or...