FAQ

The Supreme Court comprises the High Court and the Court of Appeal. The State Courts comprise the District Courts, Magistrates’ Courts, Coroners’ Courts, Small Claims Tribunals, Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals and Employment Claims Tribunals. The main difference between the Supreme Court and the State Courts is one of jurisdiction. Civil cases where the value of the claim is below S$250,000.00 (or up to S$500,000.00 for road traffic accident claims or claims for personal injuries arising out of industrial accidents) are generally heard in the State Courts. When the value of the claim exceeds S$250,000.00, it is generally heard in the Supreme Court. Criminal cases involving offences punishable with 10 years of imprisonment or less or which are fine-only offences are generally heard in the State Courts. Criminal cases involving the death penalty must be 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 General Division of the High Court (“General Division”). Appeals from the State Courts are also heard in the General Division. Appeals against the decisions of the General Division will be heard either by the Appellate Division of the High Court or the Court of Appeal.