In a commentary, SMU Associate Professor of Law Eugene Tan argued that clemency in Singapore is a constitutional safeguard grounded in law, not mere mercy, and must be applied case-by-case with principled, fair, and consistent reasoning. Assoc Prof Tan cited Tristan Tan’s case, where the commutation aimed to reduce disparity with a related case, highlighting the role of substantive equality. He concluded that maintaining public confidence in the death penalty requires transparency, fairness, and a whole-of-government approach that respects constitutional limits while upholding the sanctity of life.
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