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Public Feedback on Draft Penal Code (Amendment) Bill. 
Posted on Wednesday, November 08, 2006 - 08:00 PM

The Singapore Government is planning to up-date the Penal Code to: (i) keep abreast of technological changes; (ii) address crimes that are of concern in Singapore like credit card fraud and matters relating to race and religion; and(iii) remove arcane crimes.

The last major review of the Penal Code was made in 1984 when mandatory minimum sentences were imposed for certain serious offences.

CONSULTATION PAPER ON THE PROPOSED PENAL CODE AMENDMENTS

Aim

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) invites public feedback on the draft Penal Code (Amendment) Bill.

Background

2. The Penal Code (Chapter 224) is Singapore's primary criminal legislation, with 511 sections in all. Based on the Indian Penal Code, it last underwent a major review in 1984, when mandatory minimum sentences were imposed for offences such as robbery and rape. Enhanced penalties were also introduced in 1998 for specific offences, such as causing hurt or grievous hurt, when committed against foreign domestic workers.

3. Due to the large number of provisions and its extensive coverage, as well as the time lag since the last review, the current review has been an extensive one. This review will bring the Penal Code up to date, and make it more effective in maintaining a safe and secure society in today's context. It was carried out in consultation with the Attorney General's Chambers, Ministry of Law, and various other agencies.

4. Besides taking into account new technological developments, for example, the impact of technology such as the Internet and mobile phones, which have become an integral part of the lifestyle in Singapore and are increasingly being used by some to perpetrate criminal activities, these amendments also took into account Police's and the Attorney General's Chambers' experiences in applying the Penal Code, Court pronouncements and public feedback given over time.

Scope of proposed amendments

5. Broadly, the proposed changes to the Penal Code can be categorised into these areas of review:

A. Offences
i) Expand and modify scope of existing offences
ii) Introduce new offences
iii) Repeal certain offences

B. Definitions, explanations, expressions
Update and clarify definitions, explanations and expressions

C. Penalties
i) Review penalties of existing offences
ii) Set penalties for new offences

References

6. The related documents to this public consultation exercise can be downloaded via the links below for further reference.

Feedback

7. MHA requests that comments be submitted by 9 Dec 06.

8. Interested parties may provide their comments using the feedback template below and upload it via the feedback form found at the bottom of the page.


Ministry of Home Affairs
8 November 2006

References
Related Documents :
Penal Code - Consultation Paper
Penal Code (Am) Bill

Note: Links found at www.reach.gov.sg