Timely to review age limit for caning rapists, say some lawyers

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The punishment of caning was first codified during colonial rule in the 19th century, when Singapore enacted its Penal Code. The Criminal Procedure Code in 1900 stipulated the age limit of 50 for such punishment, at a time when life expectancy was about 48½ years.

The law also states that a person can be caned only after a medical officer has certified that he is healthy enough to undergo such punishment

Caning is applicable to more than 30 offences in Singapore, and is compulsory for crimes such as vandalism, robbery and drug trafficking.

“If you’re fit enough to rape, you should be fit enough to be caned,”

“For violent crimes, such as rape, people feel that an appropriately violent punishment must be inflicted on the wrongdoer. Otherwise, the punishment is inadequate, and society and victims won’t feel that justice is done.”

the administration of criminal justice was primarily motivated by retribution and deterrence. “That is still relevant today, but there are also other considerations such as rehabilitation

The police now maintain a non-public record of people convicted of major offences, including crimes of a sexual nature. The record is accessible by some agencies, such as the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Social and Family Development, to screen prospective employees applying for jobs involving children