Debate and Contestation in Singapore’s Death Penalty

doi:10.1017/9781009513555.008

4 - Debate and Contestation in Singapore’s Death Penalty

from Part I - Executing States

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 07 August 2025

Wing-Cheong Chan and

Edited by

Mai Sato and

Wing-Cheong Chan: Affiliation:
Singapore Management University
Mai Sato: Affiliation:
Birkbeck, University of London
Michael Hor: Affiliation:
The University of Hong Kong

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Summary

The Singapore Government is well known for its stout defence of the use of capital punishment in the face of international criticism. It recently released studies to support claims of its effective deterrence against drug offending. However, domestic support for the death penalty, evidence for its effectiveness in controlling drug offences, and case law on capital drug offences are more nuanced than what appears at first sight. This chapter examines recent social, political, judicial, and regional developments, which may shape Singapore’s future death penalty policy and practice for drug offences.

Keywords

death penalty mandatory death penalty drugs Singapore zero tolerance executions deterrence studies

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Type: Chapter
Information: Capital Drug Laws in Asia , pp. 83 - 108

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009513555.008 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2025

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