[SMULA] The Exercise of Prosecutorial Discretion

The Public Prosecutor’s discretion is enshrined in the Constitution. In practice, prosecutorial discretion is crucial in the decision whether or not to press charges and the kind of sentence sought. In coming to a decision, prosecutors need to consider not only statute and precedent but also legislative intention, morality and the public interest. Above all, the exercise of prosecutorial discretion is about achieving justice. This talk will not only cover the theory but also the practical aspects of this important matter. 

Professor Walter Woon SC was Attorney-General and Public Prosecutor from 2008-2010. Before that he was Solicitor-General from 2006-2008. In those roles he was intimately involved in the exercise of prosecutorial discretion to prosecute or refrain from prosecuting various offences. Professor Woon has appeared before the High Court and Court of Appeal on several occasions, arguing criminal cases as well as civil ones. He is presently Lee Kong Chian Visiting Professor at the Yong Pung How School of Law, Singapore Management University, an Honorary Fellow of St John's College Cambridge and an Emeritus Professor at the National University of Singapore. In addition, he is Chairman and a senior consultant of RHTLaw Asia LLP, in which capacity he has been involved in advising on both criminal and civil cases.

Registration fee of S$53.50* (inclusive of GST) applies.

*Please note that there will be no refund of any fees should the participant cancel the registration/ fail to attend the event. However, registration is transferable. Notice of any change in participant should be sent to the Academy via email: smulawacademy [at] smu.edu.sg, by 14 November 2022.

SMU Law Academy reserves the right to cancel or postpone any event. In such case, we will arrange for the refund of fees paid.

Participants who wish to obtain CPD Points are reminded that they must comply strictly with the Attendance Policy set out in the CPD Guidelines. For this activity, this includes arriving punctually, not leaving the activity before it has ended, and signing in on arrival and signing out at the conclusion of the activity in the manner required by the organiser. Participants who do not comply with the Attendance Policy will not be able to obtain CPD Points for attending the activity. Please refer to http://www.silecpdcentre.sg for more information.