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Criminal Justice System in Singapore: A Panel Discussion on Due Process, Inequality, and Public Perception

A recent spate of high-profile court cases has sparked heated debate about the fairness and effectiveness of Singapore’s criminal justice system. To shed light on this issue, MustShareNews invited Chooi Jing Yen, a seasoned lawyer with years of experience in the field, to share his insights on two notable cases: Parti Liyani’s acquittal following an appeal in the High Court and the results of the cases for some of the accused persons involved in the Orchard Towers Murder.

Does Singapore’s Judicial System Favor the Rich?

Jing Yen pointed out that one of the primary reasons why people perceive the judicial system as favoring the rich is because lawyers cost money. Here are some key points to consider:

  • A poor person who is accused of a crime does not have the same level of access to lawyers as a more wealthy person.
  • This disparity in access can lead to unequal representation, where defendants with deeper pockets are able to secure better legal representation.

However, Jing Yen emphasized that this does not necessarily mean that the system is biased against the poor. Here’s why:

  • The presence of pro bono legal services provides free or low-cost representation to those who cannot afford it.
  • On balance, the criminal justice system currently in place is quite fair and balanced.

Is There Inadequate Representation for Murder Victims?

Jing Yen highlighted that there is no requirement for legal representation for murder victims in Singapore. However, he noted that police may charge multiple individuals with murder initially, only to re-charge them later with lesser offenses once they have completed their investigations. This can lead to:

  • Public confusion and mistrust of the system.
  • Greater transparency and communication from law enforcement agencies could help alleviate these concerns.

How Can the Criminal Justice System Defend People Who Have Committed a Heinous Crime?

Jing Yen emphasized that the primary aim of the criminal justice system is not only retribution, but also rehabilitation, deterrence, and protection. Here are some key considerations:

  • The criminal justice system aims to take away another life by removing someone who has committed a crime from society.
  • Rehabilitation is an important aspect of the criminal justice system.

Are Public Polls a Good Indicator of Trust in the Criminal Justice System?

Jing Yen cautioned against relying solely on public polls as an indicator of trust in the criminal justice system. Instead, he advocated for:

  • Responsible journalism and access to alternative voices in the media.
  • Considering multiple sources when forming opinions about the criminal justice system.

Is There Ever a Place for Emotions in the Court of Law?

Jing Yen acknowledged that emotions are central to human experience, but noted that they should not dominate legal proceedings. Here’s why:

  • The courts have taken into account remorse; that is a relevant emotion.
  • While emotions play a role in human decision-making, they should not be the sole determining factor in court cases.

What Other Sources Should We Consider Aside from Receiving News through the Media?

Jing Yen recommended consulting:

  • Court judgments and official websites for accurate information about cases.
  • The Supreme Court website, which provides access to written judgments and archived cases dating back several years.

Do You Trust the Criminal Justice System in Singapore?

While acknowledging that there is always room for improvement, Jing Yen expressed his trust in the criminal justice system in Singapore. Here’s why:

  • The criminal justice system can be trusted.
  • However, it is always a work in progress, and it is the responsibility of all stakeholders to work towards that.

Overall, Jing Yen emphasized the importance of understanding the complexities of the criminal justice system and seeking out multiple sources of information when forming opinions about its fairness and effectiveness.