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Sentencing Frameworks for Consistency: A Proposed Framework

Ivan Tang Wu Hwan, Hong Shiuan Shiuan & Ezra Lim Pin

(2024) 36 SAcLJ 380

Abstract:
In criminal law, consistency in sentencing is crucial as it reflects the notion of equal justice. To achieve this, the Supreme Court of Singapore began issuing guideline sentencing frameworks with an increased frequency since 2013. This article will highlight some limitations of these frameworks, before comparing them with similar frameworks in the UK. Based on this comparison, this article will then propose some tweaks to the current guideline sentencing frameworks in Singapore, before explaining the advantages of, and addressing the potential concerns associated with, said proposal. The authors believe that the proposal will increase consistency in the sentencing decisions of the Singapore courts.