Singapore legislation
Section 44
Section 44
Misconduct of officers
(1)
Without affecting any written law and rules governing the conduct and discipline of public officers, if any officer of the Family Justice Courts is charged —
with extortion or misconduct while acting under colour of the process of the Family Justice Courts; or
with not duly paying or accounting for any money levied by him or her under the authority of this Act, the Supreme Court of Judicature Act 1969, the Family Justice Rules or the Rules of Court,it is lawful for a District Judge designated as a judge of the Family Court or judge of the Youth Court, and nominated by the Presiding Judge of the Family Justice Courts, to inquire into the matter in a summary manner.
(2)
For the purpose of any such inquiry, the District Judge may summon and enforce the attendance of all necessary parties in the like manner as the attendance of witnesses in any case may be enforced.
(3)
On any such inquiry, the District Judge may make such order as he or she thinks just for the repayment of the money extorted or the due payment of the money levied, and for the payment of damages and costs, and also, if he or she thinks fit, may impose such fine upon the officer, not exceeding $100 for each offence, as appears to the District Judge to be adequate.
(4)
If it is found by the District Judge that any officer, while employed in carrying out the officer’s duties under this Act, the Supreme Court of Judicature Act 1969, the Family Justice Rules or the Rules of Court or in exercising any of the powers thereof, has wilfully and corruptly exacted or accepted any fee or reward, other than such fees as are for the time being allowed under this Act, the Supreme Court of Judicature Act 1969, the Family Justice Rules or the Rules of Court, that officer shall, in addition to being liable for damages under subsection (3), be incapable of being an officer of the Family Justice Courts.
(5)
An appeal lies to the Chief Justice from an order made by the District Judge under this section.
(6)
The decision of the Chief Justice is final.