The Singapore Parliament approved a suite of new criminal
justice reforms. Under the previous regime, investigative agencies
have the power to access, inspect and search data on computers. The
amendments seek to clarify these powers.
On 19 March 2018, the Singapore Parliament approved a suite of
new criminal justice reforms by way of amendments to the Criminal
Procedure Code ("CPC") and the Evidence Act
("EA"). The CPC provides the framework for criminal
investigations and the procedure for criminal hearings, and the EA
provides the framework for all matters concerning evidence in
court. The Ministry of Law ("MinLaw") had issued a public
consultation in respect of the amendments in July 2017, with
further proposed amendments added in January 2018. The changes are
expected to come into force before the end of 2018. We highlight
the amendments which will impact on the conduct of criminal
investigations.
