Hi! Today, we are talking about the different types of criminal courts in Singapore.
Magistrates’ Courts
First, there is the Magistrates’ Courts. These courts can generally handle offences where the maximum sentence is three imprisonments or a fine. The Magistrates’ Courts can generally impose a maximum imprisonment term of two years or a maximum fine of $10,000.
District Court
These are different from the Magistrates’ Courts and they can generally handle offences where the maximum sentence is 10 years imprisonment or a fine. The District Court 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.
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) and Court 23 for magistrates’ arrest cases (MACs).
After the court proceedings have started, the case can be transferred to any other courts 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 for linger or 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 very different types of criminal courts in Singapore. Thanks for watching. Bye-bye!