When people hear about court cases in Singapore, they often wonder: what is the aim of criminal vs civil proceedings? While both take place in court, they serve very different purposes. Understanding this difference can help you know what to expect if you are involved in either type of case.
What Are Criminal Proceedings?
Criminal proceedings are started by the State, through the Public Prosecutor, against a person or company accused of breaking the law. This may be under the Penal Code, the Misuse of Drugs Act, or other laws such as the Road Traffic Act.
Aim of Criminal Proceedings
- Punishment – Offenders face penalties such as fines, jail terms, or even caning.
- Deterrence – To discourage both the offender and the public from committing crimes.
- Rehabilitation – To help offenders reform and return to society.
- Public Protection – To safeguard society by keeping dangerous offenders away.
👉 The overall aim of criminal law in Singapore is to protect the public, maintain order, and ensure justice is served.
What Are Civil Proceedings?
Civil proceedings are usually started by a private individual, company, or organisation who claims their rights were violated or they suffered a loss. Common examples include contract disputes, negligence claims, property matters, and family cases.
Aim of Civil Proceedings
- Compensation – Awarding money (damages) to the injured party.
- Restoration of Rights – Enforcing agreements or returning property.
- Dispute Resolution – Settling conflicts fairly between parties.
- Injunctions and Declarations – Courts may order someone to stop doing something (injunction) or clarify rights (declaration).
👉 The aim of civil law is not to punish, but to resolve disputes and provide remedies.
Criminal vs Civil: A Quick Comparison
| Aspect | Criminal Proceedings | Civil Proceedings |
| Who starts the case? | The State (Prosecution) | A private individual, company, or organisation |
| Main aim | Punishment, deterrence, rehabilitation, protection | Compensation, restoring rights, dispute resolution |
| Parties involved | Prosecution vs. Accused | Plaintiff vs. Defendant |
| Burden of proof | Beyond a reasonable doubt | Balance of probabilities |
| Possible outcomes | Fines, imprisonment, caning, probation | Damages, injunctions, declarations, enforcement of agreements |
| Focus | Protecting society and upholding justice | Resolving private disputes and protecting legal rights |
Why the Distinction Matters
- If you are facing a criminal charge, your freedom and reputation are at stake. You will need a strong legal defence.
- If you are involved in a civil dispute, the case usually focuses on money, rights, or obligations—not punishment.
Understanding the aim of criminal vs civil proceedings helps you manage expectations:
- Criminal law protects the public interest.
- Civil law protects private rights.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the aim of criminal proceedings in Singapore is to punish wrongdoing and safeguard society, while the aim of civil proceedings is to resolve disputes and provide fair remedies.
If you are involved in either type of case, it is crucial to seek professional legal advice tailored to your situation.
