This book is intended for students and practitioners of Singapore criminal law. It aims to teach criminal law in a realistic fashion, and to that end, integrates elements of criminal procedure, sentencing and evidence, when relevant. The book makes extensive use of learning aids such as flowcharts and diagrams, to enhance clarity and speed comprehension. Sample charges for each offence discussed are also included, to assist practitioners and students with drafting.

The structure of the book follows the progress of an actual criminal case. It begins with an overview of the criminal justice system, followed by a discussion of prosecutorial discretion. Thereafter, it discusses the substantive law on common offences in Singapore, with an emphasis on offences that are likely to be encountered in practice. The analysis of such offences includes practical applications, such as related offences that commonly occur in the same case, and possible alternative charges that may be offered upon plea of guilt. Finally, general defences in criminal law are discussed.

Table of Contents:

• Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
• Prosecutorial Discretion
• Elements of Offences
• Modes of Liability
• Offences of Violence (Criminal Force, Voluntarily Causing Hurt, Voluntarily Causing Grievous Hurt)
• Homicide Offences (Death by Rash or Negligent Act, Culpable Homicide, Murder)
• Sexual Offences (Voyeurism, Outrage of Modesty, Sexual Assault by Penetration, Rape)
• Property Offences (Criminal Misappropriation, Theft, Criminal Breach of Trust)
• White Collar and Corporate Crime (Cheating, Forgery, Falsification of Accounts)
• Defences in Criminal Law

About the Authors:

Alexander Woon,the main author, is Provost’s Chair and Lecturer at Singapore University of Social Sciences School of Law, where he is the course leader for Criminal Law. He was awarded the Outstanding Teaching Award in 2024. He is also a practicing criminal defence lawyer. Alexander was previously a Deputy Public Prosecutor with the Financial and Technology Crime Division of the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

Professor Walter Woon S.C.,the co-author, is Lee Kong Chian Visiting Professor of Law, at the Yong Pung How School of Law, Singapore Management University, where he teaches criminal law. He is also Emeritus Professor, at the School of Law, National University of Singapore, and an Honorary Fellow of St John’s College, University of Cambridge. Throughout his long academic career, Prof. Woon has won multiple teaching awards and authored many books, including the leading text on Singapore Company Law. Prof. Woon, a Senior Counsel, was previously Attorney-General and Public Prosecutor of Singapore.

Zander on PACE has been established for more than three decades as the leading work in this important field. The book ranges widely, including not only the 500 plus pages of Professor Zander’s authoritative commentary but the full text of the statute law as repeatedly amended and of the PACE Codes of Practice. It covers equally the police powers of civilians under the Police Reform Act 2002. It deals with the related terrorism provisions and the terrorism Codes of Practice as well as the statute and case law on the right of silence. The book draws on more than 900 judicial decisions including dozens of new cases. At the end of chapters, as in previous editions, there is a Q&A section giving quick answers on common practical problems. Changes since the last edition include in particular the major revision of pre-charge bail (some 20 new pages of the statute and corresponding new pages of author’s commentary); new rules on stop and search; the Law Commission’s 2020 report on search warrants; new provisions regarding the use of body-worn cameras for recording of suspect interviews elsewhere than at police stations; new rules regarding the photographing of suspects and the retention of fingerprints in terrorism cases; and changes to Codes C and H regarding the health, hygiene and welfare needs of detainees, particularly female detainees.