FAQ

The Supreme Court comprises the High Court and the Court of Appeal. The State 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 State Courts is one of jurisdiction. Civil cases where the value of the claim is below S$250,000.00 are heard in the State 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 State 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 is part of the Judiciary, which is one of the three organs of state, namely the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary. It administers the law independently of the Executive. The Honourable the Chief Justice is head of the Judiciary.

The Supreme Court is therefore not a Government Ministry, nor does it belong or report to any Government Ministry.

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 State 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.