A Newton hearing may be convened at any stage of the sentencing process when there is a dispute to any fact that may materially affect your sentence. For example, conflicting medical reports on whether you have a mental illness or whether there is a link between your mental illness and the offence, disputes over your criminal records.

It will be conducted like a trial, where you and the Prosecution will be given a chance to call their respective witnesses before making submissions. At the end of the Newton Hearing, the Judge will pronounce his decision on the disputed issue of fact. Once the decision has been made, the Judge will proceed with the rest of the sentencing process.

For more information, you may wish to visit https://www.judiciary.gov.sg/criminal/charged-with-crime and download the Guidebook for Accused in Person (available in 4 languages) found at the bottom of the page.