Criminal Legal Aid Scheme

The Criminal Legal Aid Scheme (‘CLAS’) was pioneered in the early eighties by several lawyers who recognised the need to provide legal assistance to the poor in Singapore in criminal cases. Over the years, CLAS has expanded to offer aid in other offences. As of June 2007, CLAS covers offences under 15 statutes, where the accused persons claim trial.

In addition, CLAS has since 1 September 2005, also extended aid to cases involving mentally ill accused persons and since June 2006, CLAS has extended aid to offenders appearing before the Community Court.

International Recognition

The important role that CLAS plays in the criminal justice system, specifically in ensuring representation of accused persons, is recognised in the United States Department of State Country Reports on Human Rights Practices on Singapore, which is published annually.

Law Practices Supporting the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme

Click here for a list of volunteer law practices supporting the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme.

Disclaimer

The Law Society reserves the right to accept or reject any application for criminal legal aid under CLAS at its discretion. No undertakings may be presumed or otherwise construed or implied from any information or statement provided herein. The Law Society reserves the right to withdraw assistance under CLAS at any time at its discretion. The Law Society reserves the right to amend, vary or modify any condition or criteria in determining an application for criminal legal aid under CLAS at its discretion without prior notice.