History of Supreme court in Timeline

A supreme court, the court of last resort in many legal systems, sits atop the judicial hierarchy. Its decisions are binding on all lower courts within a nation, and are not subject to review. While primarily functioning as an appellate court, hearing appeals from lower courts, a supreme court may also, in certain cases, act as a court of original jurisdiction, hearing cases for the first time.

1903: Judiciary Act 1903

In 1903, the High Court of Australia was formally established, and its initial members were appointed under the Judiciary Act of 1903.

1909: Supreme Administrative Court founded in 1909

In 1909, the Supreme Administrative Court was founded in Sweden to function as the highest court for disputes between individuals and administrative organs, as well as disputes among administrative organs.

1919: Act No. 22/1919

The Supreme Court of Iceland was founded under Act No. 22/1919.

February 1920: Supreme Court of Iceland First Session

On February 16, 1920, the Supreme Court of Iceland held its first session, marking the exercise of the highest judicial power in the country.

1920: Austrian Constitution of 1920

In 1920, Austria's Constitution, based on Hans Kelsen's draft, introduced judicial review of legislative acts performed by the Constitutional Court.

1933: Federal Parliament abolished appeals in criminal matters

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

1933: Abolishment of appeal to Privy Council

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.

1947: Privy Council apex court until 1947

From 1947 to 1950, the Privy Council had the function of apex court.

1949: Appeals to the Judicial Committee were abolished

In 1949, all appeals to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council were abolished in Canada, although pending appeals could still be decided by the Judicial Committee.

January 1950: Supreme Court of India Creation

In January 1950, the Supreme Court of India was created following the adoption of the Constitution.

1950: Federal Court of Pakistan apex court from 1950

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

1956: Apex court for Pakistan since 1956

Since 1956, the Supreme Court has been the apex court for Pakistan since the declaration of the republic.

1972: Constitution of Bangladesh, 1972

In 1972, the Supreme Court of Bangladesh was established according to the provisions outlined in the Constitution of Bangladesh, 1972.

1972: Supreme Court of Sri Lanka Created

In 1972, the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka was established following the adoption of a new Constitution.

1973: Federal Supreme Court of the United Arab Emirates created

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, an agreement between Nauru and Australia was established, allowing appeals from the Supreme Court of Nauru to the High Court of Australia in both criminal and civil cases, with the exception of constitutional cases.

1979: High Court of Australia Act 1979

In 1979, the High Court of Australia Act 1979 further defined the operations of the court.

1980: High Court of New Zealand known as the Supreme Court

Until 1980, the High Court of New Zealand was known as the Supreme Court.

1987: 1987 Philippine Constitution grants Supreme Court 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, the Justice Court of the Republic was introduced in France to judge members of the government, distinct from normal courts.

1994: Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) created in South Africa

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's Supreme Court (now known as the High Court) ceased to be the final court of appeal due to the transfer of sovereignty.

1998: Scotland Act 1998

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

1999: Right of abode issue in 1999

In 1999, the right of abode issue in Hong Kong caused controversy and raised concerns for judicial independence.

2001: Constitutional amendment to establish the court was passed

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

2003: Constitutional Court of Indonesia was established

In 2003, the Constitutional Court of Indonesia was established.

2003: Supreme Court Act (2003)

In 2003, the right of appeal to the Privy Council from New Zealand was abolished following the passing of the Supreme Court Act (2003).

2003: End of Supreme Military Court in 2003

Until 2003, there was a Supreme Military Court for the military jurisdiction. Now, the Supreme Court of Justice includes four military judges.

2004: Establishment of the Supreme Court of New Zealand

In 2004, the new Supreme Court of New Zealand was officially established at the beginning of the year, but did not begin operating until July.

2005: Constitutional Reform Act 2005

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

2007: Constitutional amendment of 2007

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

October 2009: Supreme Court of the United Kingdom Established

On October 1, 2009, the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom was established, replacing the judicial functions of the House of Lords.

2009: Supreme Court Set Up in 2009

In 2009, the Supreme Court was established, taking over the judicial functions previously held by the House of Lords.

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, both constitutional and non-constitutional.