Developed by Herbert Packer, the Crime Control Model and Due Process Model espouse different ideologies in criminal justice – the former prioritises efficient crime suppression in the interests of public order, while the latter emphasises the primacy of individual rights in relation to the state. While Singapore’s criminal justice regime incorporates characteristics of both, historically, experts have argued that it bears greater similarity to the Crime Control Model.
Fair Enough? An Examination of Existing Legal Limits on Prosecutorial Discretion
The story of Ms Parti Liyani is one of a harrowing journey through the criminal justice regime, resulting in eventual victory, but at great cost. In March 2019, Ms Liyani stood trial for four theft-related charges and was found guilty of all four charges. On appeal, it was found that the Prosecution had led Ms Liyani to make an admission at the trial below, by failing to disclose the non-functional state of a DVD player she was accused of stealing. Although she was eventually acquitted, Ms Liyani’s story is a demonstration of the impact of prosecutorial decisions on accused persons.
Consumer Protection for the Consumer
Written by: Emily Tan* I. Introduction It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there. There are unethical businesses which will lie and take advantage of their customers just to make a sale. One example occurred way back in 2014, when an unsettling video of one Pham Van Thoai circulated on the net, which showed him crying and … Continue reading Consumer Protection for the Consumer
Gender Roles Have Changed – The Law on Maintenance Should Too
The Women’s Charter marked a significant swing for gender equality in Singapore. Its founders wanted to foster the principle of equality between women and men through its enactment.[1] Under the Charter, both spouses are regarded as equal beings capable of cooperating with each order to promote the interests of the marriage. Recently, the debate on issues relating to gender equality has received much attention in the public forum. On 20 September 2020, Law and Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam has announced that the Singapore government will review crucial issues on gender equality which will culminate in a White Paper by the first half of next year.
Damages for Defamation: How Are They Assessed?
Written by: Chye Shu Li* Introduction Rome wasn’t built in a day, but it sure burned in one. No wonder then, that defamation is treated seriously – a person’s reputation takes ages to build, yet a single incident, a statement in a newspaper, a remark in a magazine, or even a seemingly innocuous comment online … Continue reading Damages for Defamation: How Are They Assessed?
An Overview of Defamation
Written by: Samantha Ee and Sonia Elizabeth Rajendra* Introduction Of all the weapons man could invent, the most terrible – and the most powerful – was the word.[1] In today’s digital era, statements made on social media can be easily shared, forwarded, and reposted, making social media sites a breeding ground for rumours and falsehoods. … Continue reading An Overview of Defamation
The Basics of Bankruptcy in Singapore
Written by: Winie Ao* Money, money, money, must be funny, in the rich man’s world.[1] I. INTRODUCTION For a potential bankrupt, the notion of “money” is far from funny. Indeed, it is his very lifeblood – the source of both his worry and glee. To bring some assurance and clarity to persons who may have … Continue reading The Basics of Bankruptcy in Singapore
Ending a marriage in Singapore – divorce or annulment?
Ending a marital relationship is a major life decision, and it can be one that is stressful, emotional, and complicated. Should you be thinking of calling your marriage quits, you are not alone, and there are available avenues of the law you can turn to for your situation.
Am I allowed to defend myself if I am molested?
Imagine falling asleep on the bus home and waking up to find the stranger sitting next to you touching you inappropriately. How would you react? Would you push him away or hit him in self-defence? The number of molestation cases have recently been on the rise.
The aftermath of divorce: maintenance and child support
For better or for worse, divorce is increasingly common today. Yet, a divorce does not represent the clean break that one might hope for. Your financial life may still be connected to your spouse’s even after divorce.
