The Supreme Court operates from 8.30am - 6.00pm from Monday to Friday. However, the various offices and counters within the Supreme Court have different operating hours.

The Commissioner for Oaths office is open from 8.30am - 5.30pm from Monday to Thursday. On Friday, it is open from 8.30am - 5.00pm. On Saturday, it is open from 8.30am - 12.30pm.

The Legal Registry is open from 9.00am - 5.30pm from Monday to Thursday. On Friday, it is open from 9.00am - 5.00pm. On Saturday, it is open from 9.00am - 12.30pm.

The Translation office is open from 8.30am - 5.30pm from Monday to Thursday. On Friday, it is open from 8.30am - 5.00pm.

All hearings in the Supreme Court, except for hearings that take place in the Judges' or Registrars' chambers, are open to the public. However, in sensitive cases involving the testimony of a vulnerable witness, for example, hearings may be closed to the public. On such an occasion, there will be a sign on the door bearing the words "Hearing in Camera".

The Supreme Court comprises the High Court and the Court of Appeal. The Subordinate Courts comprise the District Courts, Magistrates' Courts, Coroners' Court, Small Claims Tribunals and the Juvenile Court. The main difference between the Supreme Court and the Subordinate Courts is one of jurisdiction. Civil cases where the value of the claim is below S$250,000.00 are heard in the Subordinate Courts. When the value of the claim exceeds S$250,000.00, it is heard in the Supreme Court. Criminal cases involving sentences of less than 10 years of imprisonment are heard in the Subordinate Courts. Criminal cases involving sentences of more than 10 years of imprisonment or the death penalty are heard in the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court comprises 2 courts, the High Court and the Court of Appeal. Civil and criminal cases heard by the Supreme Court commence in the High Court, which is presided over by a single judge. Appeals from the Subordinate Courts are also heard in the High Court. The Court of Appeal hears appeals against the decisions of High Court Judges in both civil and criminal matters. The Court of Appeal is usually made up of three Judges.

For civil matters, you may seek assistance from the Legal Aid Bureau of the Ministry of Law. Click here for more information on the Legal Aid Scheme.

For criminal matters, accused persons who are unable to pay for legal counsel may seek representation via the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme (CLAS) set up by the Law Society of Singapore. More information on the application process and qualifying criteria may be found in the CLAS section on the Law Society's website.