Singaporean Mandarin Database

This database contains a collection of Mandarin terms which have cultural, historical or sentimental value unique to Singapore. These terms may be used by Singaporeans in the past or at present. Some of the terms are read in print while others are used in our everyday conversations.

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Justice of the Peace

Legal/Politics

法政

Legal / Politics

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Justice of the Peace

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Legal/Politics

法政

Legal / Politics

释义

名词

一种荣誉职衔，在新加坡由总统委任，负责审理轻微刑事案件。也称“太平局绅”。

DEFINITION

Noun

An honorary position in Singapore appointed by the President to handle minor criminal cases and various administrative duties. Also known in Mandarin as “太平局绅”.

由来
  • 英语“Justice of the Peace”的意译。
  • 源自于1361年英国国王爱德华三世（Edward III of England）的法令，该法令委任地方贵族维持当地的治安。许多前英国殖民地都承袭了英国普通法系（common law），并沿用了此制度，这些国家就包括新加坡。
  • 英国殖民地政府于18 4 6年委任了新加坡的第一任太平绅士——陈笃生医生。新加坡历史上许多名人也担任过太平绅士，包括章芳林、黄金辉、林文庆等。
  • 受委任的太平绅士通常是在社会、公共或专业领域里有杰出贡献的社会贤达。他们一般是宗乡会馆、慈善组织及基层组织的活跃分子。
  • 太平绅士的权威来自成文法（statutory law），一般不需接受法律训练，负责审理轻微刑事案件和行政责任，比如负责担任牙医注册官、主婚人或批准搜查非法组织的官员等。
  • 自新加坡独立后至1988年10月1日，新加坡共有88位太平绅士。截至2020年9月1日，新加坡一共有173位太平绅士。新加坡总理公署网站收录了最新的太平绅士名单，以方便公众人士查询。

ETYMOLOGY
  • The Mandarin term “太平绅士” is a paraphrase of the English term “Justice of the Peace”.
  • The term was derived from an Act by Edward III of England in 1361, which called for the appointment of local nobles to maintain law and order. Many former British colonies, including Singapore, have inherited the British common law traditions and continued the use of this system.
  • In 1846, the British colonial government appointed Dr Tan Tock Seng as Singapore’s first Justice of the Peace. Many notable figures in Singapore’s history have also served as Justices of the Peace, including Cheang Hong Lim, Wee Kim Wee and Lim Boon Keng.
  • Justices of the Peace are usually outstanding Singaporeans who have made significant contributions in their professions, public service or social services. They are generally active members of clan associations, charity organisations or grassroots organisations.
  • Justices of the Peace derive their power from statutory law and generally do not require legal training. They are responsible for hearing minor criminal cases and handling administrative responsibilities such as registering dentists, solemnising marriages, and approving the search of illegal organisations.
  • From Singapore’s independence until 1 October 1988, there were a total of 88 Justices of the Peace. As of 1 September 2020, there were 173 Justices of the Peace. The latest list of Justices of the Peace is publicly available on the Prime Minister’s Office website.

例句
86位社会贤达昨天在总统府举行的仪式上，获哈莉玛总统委任为太平绅士。（《联合早报》， 25/4/2018）
SAMPLE SENTENCE
At a ceremony held at the Istana yesterday, 86 outstanding Singaporeans were appointed Justices of the Peace by President Halimah Yacob. (Lianhe Zaobao, 25/4/2018)
其他地区用语

非官守治安委员（港）

TERMS USED IN OTHER REGIONS

非官守治安委员 (Hong Kong)

参考资料
点击查看太平绅士的参考资料
REFERENCES

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