Know About Criminal Law in Singapore When Planning Your Visit to the Country

Posted by vendelajar on December 29th, 2014

When you are visiting a country like Singapore, it is important to know what criminal law in Singapore can land you in jail or get you arrested. This might sound strange but for those who live in this country, or have spent some time here, it is common knowledge that the system of criminal law in Singapore is very strict.

Strict Nature of the Criminal Law System in Singapore

Singapore is a country that is visited by a large number of people every year, mostly for tourism and business. The country is a popular travel destination for people as it has wonderful tourist attractions, and also is frequented by businessmen from various cities across the globe since it is also an economic hub. But even after the influx of such a large number of people in the country, Singapore has recorded one of the lowest crime rates in the world.

The enforcement of criminal law in Singapore is very strict, as are the punishments provisioned by the criminal law system. There are harsh punishments for offenses that may otherwise be considered less serious in a lot of other countries. For example, in Singapore, a person who is found littering in public is subjected to caning, which is also prescribed by law. The same punishment is also valid for causing damage to the environment or selling chewing gum.

Important Information for First Time Visitors

As a person who is not a resident of Singapore and is visiting the country for the first time, it is therefore important to be aware of the criminal laws in Singapore. This will help foreign citizens to avoid getting into situations which are in direct conflict with the laws followed here. Also, it will help them to protect themselves better and defend themselves if they are arrested under criminal law in Singapore by the law enforcement agencies of this country.

Penal Code of Singapore

The Penal Code of Singapore Law covers a range of topics that are termed as offences in the country and lays down appropriate punishment for each category of offence. General offences which include cheating, theft, homicide, and others, are included in the penal code. There are also statutes that cover special offences like illegal possession of firearms, kidnapping, drug pedalling and consumption and vandalism.

Conclusion

Being aware of criminal laws in Singapore is important and comes useful for people who are not native to the place. Sometimes due cultural differences, people can find themselves on the wrong side of the law for committing an action that is not viewed favourably in the eyes of Singapore criminal law. Knowledge of what laws to follow can therefore save people from a lot of trouble.

Vendela Jar is an expert writer having vast experience about the Law industry. Currently, she is writing on various topics like criminal law Singapore and top Singapore law firms. For more details click here