Different Types of Criminal Courts in Singapore

Transcript:

Today, we’re talking about the different types of criminal courts in Singapore.

What are the different types of criminal courts?

First, there’s the Magistrates’ Courts. These courts can generally handle offences where the maximum sentence is three years imprisonment or a fine. The Magistrates’ Courts can generally impose a maximum imprisonment term of 2 years or a maximum fine of $10,000.

What then are the District Courts? These are different to the Magistrates’ Courts and they can generally handle offences where the maximum sentence is 10 years imprisonment or a fine. The District Courts can generally impose a maximum imprisonment term of 7 years or a maximum fine of more than $10,000 and a maximum number of 12 strokes of the cane.

What are then the Criminal Mentions Courts? When an accused person has been formally charged for a criminal offence in court and he is required to attend court, his case is generally first presented in a Criminal Mentions Court. Cases are generally grouped in two criminal mentions courts that is Court 26 for District Arrest Cases (DACs), Court 23 for Magistrates’ Arrest Cases (MACs). After the court proceedings have started, the case can be transferred to any other court to deal with a variety of administration or significant matters relating to the management of the case. For example, bail applications, applications to detain an accused person for a longer period of further investigations, application to seek legal advice or representation, or to prepare for a trial.

So, there you have it. Some very general and basic information about the different types of criminal courts in Singapore. Thanks for watching. Bye-bye!