Singapore’s Criminal Justice System Seeks Reform with New Bills
The Ministry of Law has tabled two bills for first reading in Parliament, aimed at strengthening Singapore’s criminal justice framework by introducing added safeguards and processes. The proposed amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code and Evidence Act aim to enhance the fairness and accuracy of existing procedures.
Key Features of the Bills
- Video recording of witness statements: allows investigators to take statements from witnesses remotely, reducing the need for in-person interviews
- Enhanced protection for victims of sexual offences or child abuse:
- Limiting the ability of the defence to ask questions about their personal history and behavior that are not relevant to the charge
- Court discretion to grant permission for such questions only if deemed necessary in the interests of justice
- Expanded eligibility for community sentences: allowing more offenders to benefit from rehabilitative opportunities
- Suspended imprisonment sentences alongside community sentences: with imprisonment sentence taking effect upon breach of the community sentence
- Formal framework for deferred prosecution agreements (DPAs) with corporate offenders: enabling the Public Prosecutor to negotiate agreements that encourage corporate reform and facilitate investigation into wrongdoing
Rationale Behind the Amendments
The amendments seek to ensure the accuracy and equity of outcomes in the criminal justice system, providing vulnerable victims with added protection during the court process. The changes are designed to enhance fairness and transparency throughout the process, from investigation to trial.
Consultation Process
The Ministry of Law consulted widely on the proposed amendments, receiving feedback from:
- Members of the public
- Civil society organizations
- Banks
- Technology companies
- The legal profession
Conclusion
The bills represent a significant step towards modernizing Singapore’s criminal justice system and ensuring greater fairness and equity in the administration of justice. By introducing these reforms, the government aims to strengthen the criminal justice framework and provide a more balanced and progressive approach to addressing criminal offenses.