Singapore Laws

When it comes to Singapore's legal system, you can say that it is English in essence.Singapore law can be divided under certain broad heads like administrative law,equity, property law, trust and tort law and contact law. These are based on the judgments of the courts of the land and some are modified by statutes. Family, Company and Criminal laws are purely statutory in nature.

It is interesting to note that Singapore laws are very strict with harsh punishments for smoking and littering in public places. Here we are trying to list some of the offences which are minor in your country but may attract heavy penalties in Singapore.

• Drug offence
  A drug offence in Singapore can attract severe penalties including a death penalty.
  
  
• Littering
  Littering in public places can attract penalties. Failure to flush a public toilet after use may attract very hefty fines.It is illegal to pee in an elevator.
  
  
• Smoking
  Entering Singapore with cigarettes is considered as an offence. Smoking is illegal in public places.
  
  
• Murder, abduction and weapons offenses
  More serious crimes such as a murder, an abduction and weapons offences may also attract a death penalty.
  
  
• Homosexuality
  Homosexual acts, including kissing between men, are illegal in Singapore and penalties include imprisonment.
  
  
• Pornography
  Pornography is illegal. You should never walk around your home nude as it is considered pornographic.
  
  
• Theft & Shoplifting
  Shoplifting and theft are considered serious offenses in Singapore.
  
  
• Driving under the influence of alcohol
  Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense in Singapore and the traffic police regularly carry out breath tests. Sentences can be up to 10 years in prison
  
  
• Piracy
  The importation of pirated copyright material is prohibited. Offenders may be fined and/or jailed.
  
  
• Racism
  Crimes that break up racial or ethnic harmony, such as racial insults, may attract severe penalties.