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.