History of Supreme court in Timeline

A supreme court, the highest court in a legal jurisdiction, is often called a court of last resort or court of final appeal. Its decisions are binding on all lower courts within the nation, meaning these rulings cannot be reviewed by any other court. Primarily, supreme courts operate as appellate courts, reviewing decisions made by lower trial courts or intermediate appellate courts. However, they can sometimes act as courts of original jurisdiction, directly hearing cases under specific circumstances. The supreme court is the final arbiter of justice within a legal system.

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 Sweden

In 1909, the Supreme Administrative Court was founded in Sweden. It functions as one of the highest courts in the land, hearing disputes between individuals and administrative organs.

1919: Founding of the Supreme Court of Iceland

In 1919, the Supreme Court of Iceland was founded 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 was introduced, which included judicial review of legislative acts for constitutionality. This function is performed by the Constitutional Court.

1933: Abolition of appeals in criminal matters

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

1945: Supreme Court of Indonesia Founded

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

1949: Abolition of all appeals to the Judicial Committee

In 1949, all appeals to the Judicial Committee from Canada were abolished, although pending appeals could still be decided by the 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: Supreme Court as apex court for Pakistan

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

1972: Constitution of Bangladesh, 1972

In 1972, the Supreme Court of Bangladesh was created by the provisions of the Constitution of Bangladesh.

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.

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.

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, except for constitutional cases.

1979: High Court of Australia Act 1979

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

1980: Name change of the Supreme Court

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

1987: 1987 Philippine Constitution

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 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 as the highest court of appeal in non-constitutional matters.

1997: Transfer of Sovereignty in Hong Kong

In 1997, Hong Kong's colonial times ended with the transfer of sovereignty. The power of final adjudication was vested in the Court of Final Appeal.

1998: Devolution issues transferred

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 1999, the right of abode issue in Hong Kong became controversial, 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 to review bills and government actions for constitutionality.

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: Abolition of the Supreme Military Court

Until 2003, a fifth supreme court also existed for the military jurisdiction, this being the Supreme Military Court (Supremo Tribunal Militar).

2004: Establishment of the Supreme Court of New Zealand

In 2004, the new Supreme Court of New Zealand was officially established, coming into operation in July. The High Court of New Zealand was until 1980 known as the Supreme Court.

2005: Constitutional Reform Act 2005

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

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, the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom was established, replacing the judicial functions of the House of Lords.

2009: Setup of the Supreme Court

In 2009 the Supreme Court was set up in the UK. Prior to this, the House of Lords was the ultimate court.

August 2013: Constitutional Court Becomes Single Apex Court

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

2013: Mark Lundy appeal to the Privy Council

In 2013, Mark Lundy made a successful appeal to the Privy Council from New Zealand. It is likely this will be the last appeal to the Board from New Zealand.

2018: Transformation of the court system in Iceland

In 2018, the court system in Iceland was transformed from a two level system to a three level system with the establishment of Landsréttur.

2019: Scheduled deletion of Justice Court of the Republic

In 2019, the Justice Court of the Republic was scheduled for deletion in a constitutional amendment due.

2022: Previous form of Constitutional review organ

Until 2022 the Council of Grand Justices was a previous form of Constitutional review organ. Now the constitutional court consists of 15 justices and deals with constitutional issues.