The following is my answer to a Quora question: “If
caning, in Singapore, is meant to be a deterrent for severe crime, then how can
a woman would be exempted from this even if she has committed a heinous act
such as torturing, and killing her children?”
Judicial caning is a British legacy. The decision to cane men, and not women, is
also part of that legacy. Whilst women
are not caned, they have to serve a longer sentence in lieu of that caning, so
they do not get a sort of discount on the sense, on account of gender. That being said, it was the consensus of the age,
then, that it would be uncivilised to subject women to the same level of
corporal punishment as men, due to their supposed weaker constitution. In this age, it would be of no benefit to
suddenly make caning mandatory for women as well. We have to consider that due to the
differences in physiology, there might be complications in childbirth later. It would be impractical to institute it, and
make provisions based on the specific circumstances of each woman inmate.
Also, we have to consider that the laws must have some
level of acceptance in wider society. Instituting
caning for women would be controversial, and create a policy conundrum. Which government would want to court
controversy for the sake of it? We
cannot craft laws based on the heinousness of individual crimes. The example given carries the death penalty
anyway, so that is a moot point. There is
no judicial caning for death row inmates, since there is no rehabilitative benefit. People sentenced to death are considered beyond
rehabilitation.
so ban it for male also
ReplyDeleteIt works as a deterrent. That is why we kept it.
DeleteBut if long sentences work as deterrent for females, why not the same for males?
DeleteIt is cheaper to cane them, and cut down the sentences. Long sentences do not benefit the state.
DeleteThen when a guy get life time imprisonment and caning like Yong Vui Kong if the same was done by female what would she get 2 life time imprisonment
ReplyDeleteIn lieu of caning, there is extra time served.
DeleteI had to google Yong Vui Kong. I have no sympathy for him.
I mean if it was a women what would she receive in lieu to caning
DeleteAs mentioned above, she would serve a longer sentence. Which part of that is so difficult to understand?
DeleteServing extra time in lieu of caning would not be equivalent to caning. If it were true, how about we swap the roles: implement caning on women, then the men would have to serve extra time. That would be equal and fair in your view, correct?
DeleteI have no problem with the system as it is now. It is fair, and it works.
DeleteAnd if male needs deterrent and female not do you guys think female can't commit any crime 2nd time
ReplyDeleteI suggest you reread the answer. The problem could be the lack of facility you have with English. In such a case, I would recommend English classes.
DeleteYou country is such a sexist country that give punishment to male who try to insult female modesty by insulting their modesty
ReplyDeleteThat does not even make sense. Come back when you have a coherent argument.
Deleteyeah lol
DeleteNot I get why singapore is so hated all over the world it even create sexism in law
ReplyDeleteBut Singapore is not hated. That is a hyperbolic statement.
DeleteIt would better for singapore and male if they just ban to giving birth to male child that will those male kids I am a female myself but i get disgusted with such rule
ReplyDeleteThat is emotional, and illogical.
DeleteIceland has lowest crime rate and most peaceful country but it does not have
ReplyDeletethis type of sexiest law
We are not Iceland. What you consider sexist, I consider practical.
DeleteAlso, we have ten times the population, and are an international hub. Iceland is literally in the middle of nowhere.
I've been searching for an answer for a long time, and I must admit, your answer is by far the best one I can find. But I have a question, if women have to serve a longer sentence in lieu of the caning, how can it be longer if the sentence is already a lifetime one?
ReplyDeleteIs she is sentenced to life imprisonment, it is for the rest of her natural life. There is no loner sentence.
DeleteBut what if a women committed the exact same crime as Yong Vui Kong? He got both a life sentence and caning, how will the women who committed the exact same crime as him get a longer sentence in lieu of the caning?
DeleteObviously, she cannot.
DeleteTerence Nunis, you’re hilarious, and also make a lot of sense.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Delete