History of Supreme court in Timeline

A supreme court, the highest court in a legal jurisdiction, functions as the court of last resort. Its decisions are binding on all lower courts and are not subject to further review. Supreme courts primarily operate as appellate courts, hearing appeals from lower courts. However, they can also act as courts of original jurisdiction in specific cases.

1903: Judiciary Act 1903

In 1903, The High Court was constituted by the Judiciary Act, and its first members were appointed.

1909: Supreme Administrative Court founded in 1909

In 1909, the Supreme Administrative Court was founded in Sweden.

1919: Act No. 22/1919

In 1919, the Supreme Court of Iceland was founded under Act No. 22/1919.

February 1920: First session of Supreme Court of Iceland in February 1920

In February 1920, the Supreme Court of Iceland held its first session.

1920: Austrian Constitution of 1920

In 1920, the Austrian Constitution introduced judicial review of legislative acts for their constitutionality. This function is performed by the Constitutional Court.

1933: Appeals in criminal matters abolished

In 1933, the federal Parliament of Canada abolished appeals to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in criminal matters.

1933: Abolition of right of appeal to Privy Council in 1933

In 1933, the right of appeal to the Privy Council from the Supreme Court of the Irish Free State was abolished.

1945: Supreme Court of Indonesia founded

In 1945, the Supreme Court of Indonesia was founded at the country's independence, functioning as the final court of appeal.

1947: Privy Council function from 1947

From 1947 to 1950, the Privy Council had that function in Pakistan.

1949: All appeals to the Judicial Committee abolished

In 1949, all appeals to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council from the Supreme Court of Canada were abolished; however, appeals that were pending could still be decided by the Judicial Committee.

January 1950: Establishment of the Supreme Court of India in January 1950

In January 1950, two days after India became a republic, the Supreme Court of India was established, replacing the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council as the highest court of appeal.

1950: Federal Court of Pakistan from 1950

From 1950 to 1956, the Federal Court of Pakistan had that function.

1956: Supreme Court as apex court for Pakistan in 1956

In 1956, upon the declaration of the republic, the Supreme Court became the apex court for Pakistan.

1958: Supreme Court Building in New Delhi in 1958

In 1958, the Supreme Court of India began operating from the Supreme Court building in New Delhi.

1972: Constitution of Bangladesh adopted in 1972

In 1972, the Constitution of Bangladesh was adopted, establishing the Supreme Court of Bangladesh with the High Court Division and the Appellate Division.

1972: Supreme Court of Sri Lanka created in 1972

In 1972, the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka was created after the adoption of a new Constitution.

1973: Federal Supreme Court of the United Arab Emirates created in 1973

In 1973, the Federal Supreme Court of the United Arab Emirates was created after the adoption of the Constitution.

1976: Agreement between Nauru and Australia in 1976

In 1976, Nauru and Australia agreed that appeals from the Supreme Court of Nauru could be made to the High Court of Australia in both criminal and civil cases, except for constitutional cases.

1979: High Court of Australia Act 1979

In 1979, The High Court of Australia Act was established and the High court now operates under sections 71 to 75 of the Constitution, the Judiciary Act, and the High Court of Australia Act.

1980: Supreme Court of New Zealand in 1980

The High Court of New Zealand was known as the Supreme Court until 1980.

1987: 1987 Philippine Constitution grants power of judicial review

In 1987, the Philippine Constitution explicitly granted the Supreme Court the power of judicial review over laws and executive actions.

1993: Introduction of the Justice Court of the Republic in 1993

In 1993, the Justice Court of the Republic was introduced in France to judge members of the government in place of normal courts.

1994: Supreme Court of Appeal created

In 1994, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) was created in South Africa, 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 in 1997

In 1997, Hong Kong experienced a transfer of sovereignty, ending its colonial era. The Court of Final Appeal was created, vesting the final adjudication power in it.

1998: Scotland Act 1998

Devolution issues under the Scotland Act 1998 were transferred to the new Supreme Court of the United Kingdom by the Constitutional Reform Act.

1999: Right of abode issue in 1999

In 1999, the right of abode issue arose, raising concerns for judicial independence.

2001: Constitutional amendment passed

In 2001, a constitutional amendment was passed to establish the Constitutional Court of Indonesia.

2003: Constitutional Court established

In 2003, the Constitutional Court of Indonesia was established. It is tasked with reviewing bills and government actions for constitutionality.

2003: Supreme Court Act (2003)

In 2003, the Supreme Court Act was passed in New Zealand, abolishing the right of appeal to the Privy Council.

2003: Supreme Military Court until 2003

Until 2003, a fifth supreme court also existed for the military jurisdiction, this being the Supreme Military Court.

2004: Establishment of the Supreme Court of New Zealand in 2004

In 2004, the new Supreme Court of New Zealand was officially established at the beginning of the year, although it did not become operational until July.

2005: Constitutional Reform Act 2005

The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom was established by the Constitutional Reform Act 2005.

2007: Constitutional amendment of 2007

Since a constitutional amendment of 2007, the French Constitution states that the High Court is composed of all members of both Houses of Parliament.

October 2009: Establishment of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom in October 2009

In October 2009, the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom was established, replacing and assuming the judicial functions of the House of Lords.

2009: Supreme Court set up in 2009

In 2009, the Supreme Court was set up, prior to which the House of Lords served as the ultimate court.

August 2013: Constitutional Court becomes single apex court

In August 2013, the Constitution of South Africa was amended to make the Constitutional Court the country's single apex court, superior to the SCA in all matters.