History of Supreme court in Timeline

A supreme court, or court of last resort, is the highest court in a legal jurisdiction. Its decisions are binding on all lower courts 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 courts of original jurisdiction in certain cases, making them the final authority on legal matters within their respective jurisdictions.

1903: Judiciary Act 1903

In 1903, the High Court of Australia was constituted and its first members were appointed under the Judiciary Act of 1903.

1909: Founding of the Supreme Administrative Court

In 1909, the Supreme Administrative Court of Sweden was founded and functions as the highest court for cases concerning disputes between individuals and administrative organs.

1919: Founding of the Supreme Court of Iceland

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

February 1920: First Session of the Supreme Court of Iceland

On February 16, 1920, the Supreme Court of Iceland held its first session.

1920: Austrian Constitution of 1920

In 1920, the Austrian Constitution, based on a draft by Hans Kelsen, introduced judicial review of legislative acts for constitutionality.

1920: Czechoslovak Constitution Development

In 1920, the Czechoslovak Constitution introduced the concept of a separate constitutional court or judicial body, which later influenced countries like Austria, France, Germany, Italy, and others.

1933: Abolishment of Criminal Appeals to the Judicial Committee

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

1945: Supreme Court Founded

In 1945, at the country's independence, the Supreme Court of Indonesia was founded as the main judicial arm of the state.

1949: Abolishment of All Appeals to the Judicial Committee

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

January 28, 1950: Creation of the Supreme Court of India

On January 28, 1950, the Supreme Court of India was created after the adoption of the Constitution. Article 141 states that the law declared by the Supreme Court is binding on all courts within India.

1956: Declaration of the Republic of Pakistan

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

1972: Constitution of Bangladesh

In 1972, the Supreme Court of Bangladesh was created by the provisions of the Constitution of Bangladesh. There are two divisions of the Supreme Court: the Appellate Division and the High Court Division.

1972: Creation of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka

In 1972, the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka was created after the adoption of a new Constitution, making it the highest and final superior court of record.

1973: Creation of the Federal Supreme Court of the United Arab Emirates

In 1973, the Federal Supreme Court of the United Arab Emirates was created after the adoption of the Constitution, making it the highest and final superior court of record.

1976: Agreement Between Nauru and Australia

In 1976, an agreement between Nauru and Australia provided for 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 came into effect. The High Court now operates under sections 71 to 75 of the Constitution, the Judiciary Act, and the High Court of Australia Act.

1980: High Court of New Zealand Name Change

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

1987: Philippine Constitution Grants Judicial Review

In 1987, the Philippine Constitution explicitly granted to 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 introduced in France to judge members of the French government.

1994: Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) Created

In 1994, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) was created and replaced 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 Hong Kong

In 1997, with the transfer of sovereignty in Hong Kong, the Supreme Court of Hong Kong (now known as the High Court of Hong Kong) ceased to be the final court of appeal. The power of final adjudication was vested in the Court of Final Appeal.

1998: Scotland Act 1998

In 1998, devolution issues under the Scotland 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

In 1999, the right of abode issue in Hong Kong became controversial, raising concerns for judicial independence due to the power of interpretation of the Basic Law being vested in the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress in Beijing.

2001: Constitutional Amendment Passed

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

2003: Constitutional Court Established

In 2003, the Constitutional Court of Indonesia was established.

2003: Passing of the Supreme Court Act

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

2003: Abolishment of the Supreme Military Court

Until 2003, Portugal had a fifth supreme court for the military jurisdiction, known as the Supreme Military Court (Supremo Tribunal Militar). Presently, military justice matters are handled by the Supreme Court of Justice.

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, although it did not come into operation until July.

2005: Constitutional Reform Act 2005

In 2005, the Constitutional Reform Act established the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, which took effect in 2009.

2007: Constitutional Amendment

In 2007, a constitutional amendment in France stated 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

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

2009: Supreme Court Set Up

In 2009, the Supreme Court was established in the UK, replacing the House of Lords 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, both constitutional and non-constitutional.