K Shanmugam on Public Defender’s Office cases
The Public Defender’s Office was set up in December 2022 to provide criminal defence to persons facing non-capital charges and who cannot afford a lawyer. As of September this year, it has taken up 303 cases from applicants. This annual caseload in 2023 is expected to be lower than that of last year. Law Minister K Shanmugam gave this update in reply to an MP’s questions in Parliament on Tuesday (Nov 7). He stressed the need to ensure that aid is rendered to those who are deserving. Each application is subject to a means and merits test to ensure that legal aid is given to those who are unable to afford legal fees and there are reasonable grounds to defend the case in court.
The Public Defender’s Office was set up in December 2022 to provide criminal defence to persons facing non-capital charges and who cannot afford a lawyer. As of September this year, it has taken up 303 cases from applicants. This annual caseload in 2023 is expected to be lower than that of last year. Law Minister K Shanmugam gave this update in reply to an MP’s questions in Parliament on Tuesday (Nov 7). He stressed the need to ensure that aid is rendered to those who are deserving. Each application is subject to a means and merits test to ensure that legal aid is given to those who are unable to afford legal fees and there are reasonable grounds to defend the case in court.
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