S
Sun Wukong
Guest
May 20, 2010
Alternatives to jail
Parliament approves new Criminal Procedure Code after 2-day debate
<!-- by line --> By Bertha Henson, Associate Editor
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Mr Shanmugam had noted on Tuesday that though the CPC was a 'significant point' in the development of the criminal justice system here, it would always have to be reviewed and updated to keep pace with changes in society. -- NP PHOTO: JONATHAN CHOO
THE new Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) which cleared Parliament yesterday allows judges to punish those who commit minor offences in ways other than jail sentences or fines. But while courts will have flexibility in such cases, Law Minister K. Shanmugam suggested yesterday that a harder approach might be needed for dangerous offenders, such as those who commit sex and violent crimes. One possible approach, he said, was to have 'indeterminate sentences' as a way to keep criminals in jail until professionals ascertain that they can be released.
'This is an approach we are studying. But I have to add that while risks can be minimised, there can be no foolproof method,' he said. He was wrapping up a two-day debate on the changes to the administration of the criminal justice system here. The new CPC has been in the works since December 2008 and was discussed by legal practitioners and academics before the Bill was put forth last month.
Read the full story in Thursday's edition of The Straits Times.
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