Criminal Law in Singapore
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...
Criminal Law
Voyeurism in Singapore
Voyeurism in Singapore is a multi-faceted offence involving men and women, both as perpetrators and as victims. However, the Penal Code has only recently changed in Singapore to make the offence non-gender specific. Because of the ability of the internet to spread information, voyeurism has become a much more far-reaching offence. What is voyeurism? Voyeurism is a perverse behaviour involving deliberate and wilful intrusion of someone’s privacy. Recent changes have...
Criminal Law
Criminal Breach of Trust
Criminal breach of trust or CBT in Singapore is a serious offence. CBT concerns the dishonest misuse or conversion of property or funds in some shape or form. CBT can be a substantial multi-million-dollar event like the City Harvest Church scandal, where leaders entrusted with church funds misused them and made fake investments to promote the pop career of one of the pastor’s wives. Equally, CBT can be as simple...
Criminal Law
Caught Speeding in Singapore
Speeding is well-known for being a significant contributing factor to road accidents, not just the number of incidents, but also the severity of injuries, whether that’s to other road users or pedestrians. Speeding is a strict liability offence in Singapore. That means, regardless of a driver’s reasons, intentions or motivation, the offence is absolute if the data reveals that a driver was travelling over the legal speed limit for that...