History of Supreme court in Timeline

A supreme court, also known as a court of last resort, is the highest court in a legal jurisdiction's hierarchy. Its decisions are binding on all lower courts, and are not subject to review by any other court. Supreme courts primarily function as appellate courts, hearing appeals. However, in certain cases, they can act as courts of original jurisdiction.

1903: Judiciary Act 1903

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

1909: Supreme Administrative Court founded in Sweden

In 1909, the Supreme Administrative Court was founded in Sweden to consider disputes between individuals and administrative organs.

1919: Act No. 22/1919 founded the Supreme Court of Iceland

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

February 1920: Supreme Court of Iceland held its first session

In February 1920, the Supreme Court of Iceland held its first session, marking its establishment as the highest judicial power in the country.

1920: Austrian Constitution introduced judicial review

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

1920: Czechoslovak Constitution developed

In 1920, the Czechoslovak Constitution introduced the concept of a separate constitutional court, marking a significant development in judicial systems.

1933: Federal Parliament abolished appeals in criminal matters

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

1945: Supreme Court of Indonesia Founded

In 1945, the Supreme Court of Indonesia was founded at the country's independence. The court functions as the final court of appeal and oversees regional high courts, consisting of 51 justices.

1949: All appeals to the Judicial Committee were abolished

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 Committee.

January 28, 1950: Supreme Court of India Created

On January 28, 1950, the Supreme Court of India was created following the adoption of the Constitution, becoming the highest court with ultimate judicial authority.

1956: Supreme Court of Pakistan established

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

1972: Constitution of Bangladesh created

In 1972, the Constitution of Bangladesh established the Supreme Court of Bangladesh with two divisions: the Appellate Division and the High Court Division.

1972: Supreme Court of Sri Lanka created

In 1972, the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka was created after the adoption of a new Constitution, becoming the highest court in the country.

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, becoming the highest court in the country.

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, excluding constitutional cases.

1979: High Court of Australia Act

In 1979, the High Court of Australia Act was enacted to govern the operations of the High 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 Power of Judicial Review

In 1987, the Philippine Constitution explicitly granted the Supreme Court the power of judicial review over laws and executive actions. The Supreme Court is composed of 1 Chief Justice and 14 Associate Justices.

1993: Justice Court of the Republic introduced

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

1994: Creation of the Supreme Court of Appeal 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 Hong Kong

In 1997, Hong Kong's colonial era ended with the transfer of sovereignty, leading to the creation of the Court of Final Appeal and the vesting of final adjudication power in it.

1998: Scotland Act

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 raises judicial independence concerns

In 1999, the right of abode issue in Hong Kong became controversial, raising concerns for judicial independence regarding the interpretation of the Basic Law.

2001: Constitutional Amendment for the Constitutional Court

In 2001, a constitutional amendment was passed to establish the Constitutional Court of Indonesia, which is tasked with reviewing bills and government actions for constitutionality.

2003: Establishment of the Constitutional Court

In 2003, the Constitutional Court of Indonesia was established. This court is responsible for reviewing the constitutionality of bills and government actions and consists of nine justices serving nine-year terms.

2003: Supreme Court Act passed in New Zealand

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

2003: Supreme Military Court no longer exists

Until 2003, a Supreme Military Court existed for military jurisdiction in Portugal. Now the Supreme Court of Justice includes four military judges.

2004: Supreme Court of New Zealand Established

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

In 2005, the Constitutional Reform Act established the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, effective from 1 October 2009.

2007: Constitutional amendment for the High Court

In 2007, a constitutional amendment in France stated that the High Court is composed of all members of both Houses of Parliament.

October 2009: Supreme Court of the United Kingdom established

In October 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 UK

In 2009, the Supreme Court was set up in the United Kingdom, 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 Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) in all matters, both constitutional and non-constitutional.