The Mandarin term “检查司” is a paraphrase of the English term “public prosecutor”. In Singapore, the term also refers to attorney general”. A public prosecutor’s main responsibilities are to protect the rights and interests of the country (and its people), lead criminal prosecutions, and represent the country or government in civil litigations involving the country or government.

The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) was first established when Singapore was still a British colony. Sir Thomas Braddell was appointed in 1867 as the first Public Prosecutor when the position was newly created. At the time, all employees at the AGC were foreigners.

Under Article 35(8) of the Constitution, the Attorney-General has powers to institute, conduct or discontinue any proceedings for any offence.

After Sir Thomas Braddell, there were a total of 15 foreign public prosecutors appointed between 1883 and 1959.

It was only in 1959 that the first local Public Prosecutor, Dr. Ahmad bin Mohamed Ibrahim, was appointed by the Singapore Government.

According to Section 11 of the Criminal Procedure Code 2010, the public prosecutor shall have the control and direction of all criminal prosecutions and proceedings. The Crime Division of the AGC is responsible for all criminal prosecutions, and its officers may be appointed by the Public Prosecutor to act as Deputy Public Prosecutors (DPPs) or Assistant Public Prosecutors (APPs).