Singapore's Strict Punishments For Breaking The Law

Singapore is known for its strict laws and harsh punishments for breaking them. The country has one of the lowest violent crime rates in the world, and its justice system is considered fair. However, human rights organisations have expressed concern about how these strict laws impact the freedom of residents.

Singapore's legal system is based on English common law and the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore. The country's criminal law is largely statutory in nature and derives from the Indian penal code. The general principles of criminal law and the penalties for criminal offences are set out in the Singaporean Penal Code.

Singapore retains both corporal and capital punishment. Corporal punishment takes the form of caning, which is usually carried out in addition to a prison sentence. Caning involves striking the offender with a thick rattan cane and is reserved for males between the ages of 18 and 49.

Capital punishment, or the death penalty, is carried out by long-drop hanging, usually at dawn. While Singapore amended its laws in 2012 to exempt some offences from mandatory capital punishment, it is still mandatory for certain crimes, including murder, drug trafficking, terrorism, and kidnapping.

In addition to these harsh punishments, Singapore also imposes heavy fines and prison sentences for various offences. For example, littering can result in a fine of up to S$2,000 and community service for repeat offenders, while jaywalking can lead to a fine of up to S$500 or even three months in jail for repeat offenders. Drug and alcohol-related offences, such as drunk driving, can result in jail time, hefty fines, and driving bans.

Singapore also has strict laws regarding arms and ammunition possession, with unauthorised possession punishable by imprisonment of up to ten years and caning. The import, sale, and possession of chewing gum are banned, and smoking is prohibited in most indoor and outdoor public places.

Overall, Singapore's punishments for breaking the law are designed to maintain order and deter crime, with a focus on public safety. While some may view these punishments as overly harsh, the country's low crime rate and safe reputation are often attributed to its strict legal system.

Capital punishment

History

Singapore's death penalty laws have their roots in British colonial rule. In 1871, the Straits Settlements Penal Code 1871 was enacted, which was based on the Indian Penal Code. At the time, the only crimes punishable by death were murder and treason. Judges had the discretion to impose a life sentence instead of the death penalty. However, in 1883, an amendment removed this discretion, making the death penalty mandatory for all convicted murderers.

In 1973, punishments for certain offences were enhanced, and in 1984, the Penal Code was amended to impose mandatory minimum penalties for certain offences.

Offences

There are 33 offences that warrant the death penalty under Singaporean law, including:

• Murder
• Drug trafficking
• Terrorism
• Use of firearms
• Kidnapping
• Abetting the suicide of a person under the age of 18 or an "insane" person
• Piracy that endangers life
• Genocide resulting in death
• Waging or attempting to wage war against the government

Sentencing

The death penalty is applicable only for a limited number of offences, involving the most serious forms of harm to victims and society. The government considers the seriousness of the offence, how frequent or widespread the offence is, and the need for a high degree of deterrence when deciding whether to impose the death penalty.

Public Opinion

In a 2005 survey by The Straits Times, 95% of Singaporeans supported retaining the death penalty. While support has declined over the years due to increasing liberal opinions, a large majority of the public remains in favour of capital punishment. In 2021, more than 80% of Singaporeans still supported the death penalty.

International Criticism

Singapore's death penalty laws have drawn international criticism and protests. Human rights organisations have expressed concern about how the country's strict laws impact residents' freedom. There have also been vigils and protests against specific executions, and some foreign governments have refused to extradite suspects to Singapore due to the risk of the death penalty.

Alternatives to Death Penalty

In recent years, Singapore has made some changes to its death penalty laws. In 2012, some offences were exempted from the mandatory death sentence, giving judges discretion in sentencing for certain murder cases.

In 2013, the law was amended to make the death penalty no longer mandatory for certain capital offences, such as murders committed without the intention to kill. Judges now have the discretion to impose a sentence of life imprisonment with mandatory caning for these offences.

Process

Capital cases are heard by a single judge in the High Court of Singapore. After conviction and sentencing, the accused has one appeal to the Court of Appeal. If this appeal fails, the final recourse is a plea for clemency from the President of Singapore, who may grant clemency on the advice of the Cabinet.

The condemned are given at least four days' notice before the execution, which usually takes place on a Friday shortly before dawn. Foreigners sentenced to death have their diplomatic missions or embassies notified, and their families are given one to two weeks' notice.

Exemptions

Persons under the age of 18 at the time of their offence and pregnant women cannot be sentenced to death. Offenders under 18 may be sentenced to life imprisonment and required to serve a minimum of 20 years before being reviewed for possible release. Pregnant women convicted of capital offences are automatically sentenced to life imprisonment.

Persons proven to be of unsound mind when committing capital crimes cannot be given the death penalty. They may be detained indefinitely in medical facilities or prisons until they are suitable for release.

Corporal punishment

Eligibility

Only males between the ages of 18 and 49 are eligible for caning. Women, men above the age of 50, and men sentenced to death are exempt from caning. For youths under the age of 16, only the High Court can impose caning, and the punishment is administered with a lighter cane.

Procedure

The number of strokes varies depending on the nature and severity of the crime. The maximum number of strokes that can be administered in a single trial is 24, but this can accumulate over time if the person faces additional trials or is in prison. The punishment is always ordered in addition to a prison sentence and is inflicted by specially trained prison staff on the prisoner's bare buttocks in an enclosed area of the prison. The rattan cane used is soaked in water overnight to make it supple and prevent splintering, and has a diameter of up to 1.27 cm.

Offences that Carry Caning as Punishment

More than 30 crimes carry possible judicial caning punishments, and for some of these crimes, caning is mandatory. These include:

• Robbery
• Drug trafficking
• Vandalism
• Extortion
• Voyeurism
• Sexual abuse
• Molestation (outrage of modesty)
• Unlawful possession of weapons
• Overstaying a visa by more than 90 days

Effects

Caning can cause significant physical damage and permanent scars. The pain has been described as "unbearable" and "excruciating". The wounds usually take between a week and a month to heal, and during this time, offenders experience difficulties controlling their bowels and have trouble sitting or lying down.

Imprisonment

Singapore has a strict regulatory framework, and many activities are criminalised under its laws. Some offences that can result in imprisonment include:

• Terrorism
• Violence
• Theft
• Kidnapping
• Brutality
• Sex crimes
• Money laundering
• Possession of arms or ammunition without authorisation
• Littering
• Spitting in public
• Jaywalking
• Smoking in prohibited areas
• Import, sale, and possession of chewing gum
• Underage drinking
• Jaywalking
• Downloading sensitive content from the internet

In addition to imprisonment, Singapore also imposes fines for many offences. Repeat offenders often face increased fines and other penalties, such as corrective work orders.

Singapore's legal system is primarily based on English common law and the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore. The country's criminal law is largely statutory in nature and derives from the Indian Penal Code. The Singaporean Penal Code outlines the general principles of criminal law, as well as the penalties for various offences.

Fines

Littering: First-time offenders may face a fine of up to S$1,000. Repeat offenders can be fined up to S$2,000 and may also be subject to a Corrective Work Order (CWO), which requires them to spend a few hours cleaning a public place.

Spitting: The penalty for spitting in public compounds is a fine of up to S$1,000 for the first offence. The fine increases to up to S$2,000 for the second offence and up to S$5,000 for the third and subsequent offences.

Jaywalking: Those caught jaywalking may face fines of up to S$500 for the first offence. Repeat offenders could face a maximum fine of S$2,000 or even imprisonment.

Smoking: Offenders face a maximum fine of S$1,000. Additionally, smokers who dispose of their cigarette butts indiscriminately will be fined SGD$200.

Drugs: For unauthorised consumption of drugs, individuals may face a fine of up to S$20,000 or imprisonment, or both.

Weapons: Possession of arms or ammunition without authorisation is punishable by a fine of up to S$10,000 and imprisonment of at least five years.

Traffic Offences: Minor offences, such as exceeding the speed limit or using a mobile phone while driving, typically result in fines of around S$1,000. More serious offences, such as driving under the influence, can lead to heavier fines or even imprisonment.

It is important to note that the fines mentioned above are subject to change and may not be fully up to date. For the most current information, it is recommended to refer to the official government website or seek legal advice.

Community work

Singapore has strict laws on littering of any kind and takes its reputation for cleanliness and order seriously. The local authorities enforce these regulations, and anyone with any type of food or wrapper in public can expect to find a receptacle to dispose of it properly or face punishment.

Littering is not the only offence that can result in community work. Jaywalking is also illegal in Singapore and first-time offenders can face fines of up to S$500. Repeat offenders could face a maximum fine of S$2,000 or six months in jail.

Singapore's laws are designed to maintain the order of the country and locals and foreigners alike are expected to follow them strictly. The city has a reputation for being one of the safest and most peaceful nations in the world, with a very low crime rate.

Frequently asked questions