A supreme court stands as the highest court in most legal systems, also known as a court of last resort, apex court, or high court of appeal. Its decisions are binding on all other courts within the nation and are not subject to further review. Supreme courts primarily function as appellate courts, hearing appeals from lower courts. However, they can also act as a court of original jurisdiction in certain situations, usually limited to constitutional law.
1903: Establishment of the High Court of Australia
The High Court of Australia was constituted and its first members were appointed under the Judiciary Act 1903.
1909: Establishment of the Supreme Administrative Court in Sweden
The Supreme Administrative Court in Sweden, founded in 1909, serves as the highest court for disputes between individuals and administrative organs, as well as disputes among administrative organs.
1919: Establishment of the Supreme Court of Iceland
The Supreme Court of Iceland was founded under Act No. 22/1919, marking the beginning of its highest judicial power in the country.
February 1920: First Session of the Supreme Court of Iceland
The Supreme Court of Iceland, established by Act No. 22/1919, held its first session in February 1920.
1920: Czechoslovak Constitution Introduces Constitutional Court
In 1920, the Czechoslovak Constitution introduced the concept of a constitutional court or a similar judicial or quasi-judicial body, separate from ordinary courts.
1920: Introduction of Judicial Review in Austria
The Austrian Constitution of 1920, drafted by Hans Kelsen, introduced judicial review of legislative acts for constitutionality. This function was given to the Constitutional Court (Verfassungsgerichtshof), which also reviews administrative acts for potential violations of constitutionally guaranteed rights.
1933: Abolition of Appeals to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in Criminal Matters
In 1933, the federal Parliament of Canada abolished appeals to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in criminal matters.
1945: Establishment of the Supreme Court of Indonesia
The Supreme Court of Indonesia was founded in 1945 upon the country's independence.
1949: Abolition of All Appeals to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council
In 1949, all appeals to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council were abolished, although pending appeals could still be decided by the Committee.
January 28, 1950: Establishment of the Supreme Court of India
Following the adoption of the Constitution, the Supreme Court of India is established on January 28, 1950, as the highest court with ultimate judicial authority.
1956: Declaration of the Republic of Pakistan
In 1956, Pakistan was declared a republic, and the Supreme Court became the apex court, taking over the Privy Council's previous function.
1972: Creation of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka
Following the adoption of a new Constitution in 1972, the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka was created as the highest and final superior court of record.
1972: Creation of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh
The Constitution of Bangladesh, adopted in 1972, establishes the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, comprising the Appellate Division and the High Court Division.
1973: Creation of the Federal Supreme Court of the United Arab Emirates
In 1973, the Federal Supreme Court of the United Arab Emirates was established following the adoption of the Constitution.
1976: Agreement for Appeals to the High Court of Australia from Nauru
An agreement between Nauru and Australia in 1976 enables appeals from the Supreme Court of Nauru to the High Court of Australia for criminal and civil cases, excluding constitutional matters.
1979: High Court of Australia Act
The High Court of Australia Act 1979 is passed, outlining the court's operations alongside sections 71 to 75 of the Constitution and the Judiciary Act.
1980: Renaming of the High Court of New Zealand
The High Court of New Zealand is renamed from the Supreme Court in 1980.
1987: Implementation of the 1987 Philippine Constitution
The 1987 Philippine Constitution explicitly granted the Supreme Court the power of judicial review over laws and executive actions.
1993: Establishment of the Justice Court of the Republic
In 1993, the Justice Court of the Republic (Cour de Justice de la République) was established to judge members of the French government, replacing normal courts.
1994: Creation of the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA)
The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) was created in 1994, replacing the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of South Africa as the highest court of appeal in non-constitutional matters.
1997: Transfer of Sovereignty and Establishment of the Court of Final Appeal in Hong Kong
Hong Kong's sovereignty is transferred in 1997, leading to the replacement of the Supreme Court of Hong Kong with the Court of Final Appeal as the final adjudication power.
1998: Devolution Issues Transferred to the Supreme Court
Devolution issues under the Scotland Act 1998, Government of Wales Act, and Northern Ireland Act were transferred to the new Supreme Court by the Constitutional Reform Act, from the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.
1999: Right of Abode Issue in Hong Kong
The right of abode issue arises in 1999, sparking controversy and raising concerns about judicial independence in Hong Kong.
2001: Constitutional Amendment for the Constitutional Court of Indonesia
The constitutional amendment to establish the Constitutional Court of Indonesia was passed in 2001.
2003: Establishment of the Constitutional Court of Indonesia
The Constitutional Court of Indonesia was established in 2003.
2003: Abolition of Right of Appeal to the Privy Council in New Zealand
The Supreme Court Act (2003) abolishes the right of appeal to the Privy Council in New Zealand, except for criminal cases decided before the creation of the Supreme Court.
2003: Supreme Military Court Abolished
Until 2003, a fifth supreme court existed for military jurisdiction: the Supreme Military Court (Supremo Tribunal Militar). In peacetime, the Supreme Court of Justice now handles military justice matters and includes four military judges.
2004: Establishment of the New Supreme Court of New Zealand
The new Supreme Court of New Zealand is officially established at the beginning of 2004, commencing operations in July, with purely appellate jurisdiction.
2005: Constitutional Reform Act 2005
In 2005, the Constitutional Reform Act was passed, paving the way for the establishment of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom.
2007: Constitutional Amendment Regarding the High Court
A 2007 constitutional amendment in France defined the High Court as being composed of all members of both Houses of Parliament, solely for impeaching the President for breaches of duty.
October 2009: Establishment of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom
On October 2009, the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom was established by the Constitutional Reform Act 2005, replacing the judicial functions of the House of Lords.
2009: House of Lords Replaced as Ultimate Court
Until 2009, the House of Lords served as the ultimate court in the United Kingdom, in addition to its legislative role. The Lord Chancellor held legislative, executive, and senior judicial positions in the House of Lords.
August 2013: Constitutional Amendment Establishing the Constitutional Court as the Single Apex Court
In August 2013, the South African Constitution was amended to make the Constitutional Court the country's single apex court, superior to the Supreme Court of Appeal in all matters.
2013: Mark Lundy's Successful Appeal to the Privy Council
Mark Lundy's successful appeal to the Privy Council in 2013 is expected to be the last appeal to the Board from New Zealand.
2018: Transformation of the Court System in Iceland
In 2018, the Icelandic court system was transformed from a two-level system to a three-level system with the establishment of Landsréttur.
2019: Planned Deletion of the Justice Court of the Republic
The Justice Court of the Republic, facing criticism, was scheduled for deletion by a constitutional amendment planned for 2019.
2022: Replacement of the Council of Grand Justices
In 2022, the Constitutional Court, with 15 justices and a focus on constitutional issues, replaced the Council of Grand Justices as the organ of constitutional review.
2023: High Court Remains Unconvened
As of 2023, the French High Court has never been convened.