It is impossible for us (with our present resources) to list all the offences in Singapore. The Penal Code alone has 511 sections. In addition, the other laws passed by Parliament creates many other offences. These other offences are contained in other Acts of Parliament.

DELIBERATE OR INTENTIONAL CRIMES

a) Wrongfully Causing Death (Culpable Homicide) And Murder:
This offence is set out in Sections 299 and 300 of the Penal Code. Simply stated, it is an offence to deliberately cause the death of a human being unless you have an acceptable reason. The Penal Code provides examples of "deliberately causing death". For instance, causing death when

1. intending to kill a person (eg aiming and firing a gun at someone),
2. intentionally inflicting an injury which ordinarily kills a person , or
3. doing such a dangerous act that inevitably causes death, such as exploding a bomb in a crowded place,

is culpable homicide which is considered to be murder, which is more serious than culpable homicide.

The Penal Code also sets out what are "acceptable reasons", like self defence, and insanity. A person convicted for murder is punished by the death sentence. In comparison, someone found guilty of culpable homicide not amounting to murder shall face life imprisonment. Anexample of culpable homicide which is not murder is provided in the Penal Code as follows: "Y gives grave and sudden (ie serious) provocation to A. A, on this provocation, fires a pistol at Y without intending or knowing that he would be likely to kill Z, who is near him, but out of sight. As a result, A kills Z."

b) Assaulting and Beating Up Someone (Causing Hurt And Causing Grievous Hurt):  top5

The Penal Code describes these offences in sections 351(assault), 319 - 326 (causing hurt and causing grievous hurt).Assault is defined as making a "gesture or preparation"which causes someone to fear that force will be used against him.It is not necessary that force was actually used. The Codeprovides an example of A shaking his fist at Z. A has committed anassault if Z believes that A was about to hit him. If A did hit Z,then A would have caused hurt or grievous hurt. Section 320 of theCode defines "grievous" hurt only if there is

1. Emasculation - the victim's sexual organ cannot function
2. Permanent loss of sight or hearing in either eye or ear -
3. Loss of any part of the body (member) or joint
4. Loss or destruction of the powers of any member or joint
5. Fracture or bone dislocation
6. Severe pain or the victim is unable to carry out his daily activities for twenty days.

Otherwise, the offence is causing hurt. Causing grievous hurt carries a compulsory jail sentence whereas the punishment for causing hurt is less severe. The judge need not impose imprisonment as punishment for causing hurt and may order the accused to pay a fine.

c) Theft, Extortion And Robbery: top5

These offences are covered by Sections 378-397, read together with Sections 23 and 24 of the Penal Code. These offences are connected in that they all involve taking away somebody else's belongings dishonestly and without his consent. Simple theft is less "serious" because no threats are made or force is used against anybody. An extortioner puts his victim in "fear of injury". Theft or extortion becomes robbery if the victim is put in "fear of instant death, instant hurt, or instant wrongful restraint". A person convicted of theft, extortion or robbery shall be punished by imprisonment. The prison term is longer for extortion and robbery which are more "serious".

d) Misusing Other People's Property: Criminal Misappropriation And Criminal Breach of Trust: top5

Descriptions of these offences can be found in Sections 403 to 409 of the Penal Code. This category of offences are different from theft, extortion and robbery in that the victims generally allowed the perpetrator to take away their belongings. In the case of breach of trust, the victim usually handed the property to the villain in the first place. However, some people may feel that these offences involve greater dishonesty than the offences involving theft, extortion and robbery because the offenders have taken advantage of the victims' trust or kindness. A person found guilty of criminal misappropriation or criminal breach of trust also faces mandatory (ie. compulsory) imprisonment. The maximum sentence in each instance is two years and seven years respectively.

e) Rape:  top5

According to sections 375 and 376 of the Penal Code, only a man can be charged with rape. A man commits rape when he has sex with a woman:-

1. Against her will;
2. Without her consent; or
3. With her "consent" when her "co-operation" was obtained by making her afraid that she would be hurt or killed
4. With her "consent" where she was deceived by the man into thinking they are lawfully married
5. Who is under 14 years old and considered by law to be incapable of consenting. This is sometimes called "statutory rape". As long as the male person has penetrated the sexual organ of the woman, it is considered to be rape.

Usually, some sign that there has been use of force (i.e. beating) will indicate where a woman was made to have sexual relations against her will.

Q: What's statutory rape then? Is there any difference?

It is having sex with a female under 14 years old, regardless of whether she was a willing party. The age where consent can be given in Singapore is eighteen years old, according to Section 87 of the Penal Code. Again this is provided the "consenting" party is not suffering from mental illness or was deceived or mistaken.

Q: Will I be excused if the woman really looks as if she is more than 18 years old but turned out to be under 14 years old?

No. Rape is punished by compulsory imprisonment (of up to 20 years). In addition, the rapist may be fined or caned.

f) Cheating:  top5

Section 415 of the Penal describes this crime, which concerns deceiving (ie. giving a false impression to) the victim so as to cause the victim to lose something of value or to cause somebody (including the "cheater") to gain something valuable. Not every lie or deception is punishable as cheating unless there is such a loss by the victim or gain by the deceiver or another person.

g) Kidnapping:  top5

This offence, found in Sections 359 to 369 of the Penal Code is self-explanatory. The minimum punishment is also mandatory imprisonment. Where the victim is kidnapped in order to be murdered, the kidnapper(s) may be punished with the death sentence.

h) Maid Abuse:  top5

Employers who beat up their maids or abuse these domestic workers will receive one and a half times the usual punishment set out for these offences under the Penal Code. This is provided in Section 73 of the Penal Code.

i)Possessing and/or Using Firearms And Explosives:  top5