History of Supreme court in Timeline

A supreme court, also referred to as a court of last resort, apex court, high court of appeal, or court of final appeal, 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, but can also act as a court of original jurisdiction in certain cases. They represent the final level of judicial appeal within a country's legal system.

1903: Judiciary Act 1903

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

1909: Supreme Administrative Court founded

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 the Supreme Court of Iceland

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

1920: Czechoslovak Constitution

In 1920, the Czechoslovak Constitution was the first to develop a separate constitutional court or other judicial body.

1920: Austrian Constitution of 1920

In Austria, the Austrian Constitution of 1920 introduced judicial review of legislative acts for their constitutionality.

1933: Abolition of appeals in criminal matters

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

1945: Supreme Court of Indonesia Founded

In 1945, The Supreme Court of Indonesia was founded at the country's independence.

1949: Abolition of all appeals

In 1949, all appeals to the Judicial Committee were abolished in Canada.

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.

1956: Republic Declaration

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

1972: Constitution of Bangladesh

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

1972: Supreme Court of Sri Lanka

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

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, with the exception of constitutional cases.

1979: High Court of Australia Act 1979

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

1980: High Court of New Zealand Name Change

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

1987: 1987 Philippine Constitution

The 1987 Philippine Constitution explicitly grants to the Supreme Court the power of judicial review over laws and executive actions.

1993: Justice Court of the Republic introduced

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

1994: Creation of the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA)

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, sovereignty of Hong Kong transferred and the power of final adjudication was vested in the Court of Final Appeal.

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, the right of abode issue in Hong Kong became controversial, raising concerns for judicial independence.

2001: Constitutional amendment passed

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

2003: Establishment of the Constitutional Court

In 2003, the Constitutional Court of Indonesia was established.

2003: Supreme Court Act (2003)

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

2003: Supreme Military Court existed 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, 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

The Supreme Court was established by the Constitutional Reform Act in 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

The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom was established with effect from October 1, 2009, replacing and assuming the judicial functions of the House of Lords.

2009: Supreme Court setup

In 2009, the Supreme Court was set up, before this the House of Lords was the ultimate court.

August 2013: Constitutional Court becomes single apex court

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

2013: Mark Lundy appeal to the Privy Council

In 2013, the successful appeal by Mark Lundy to the Privy Council from New Zealand, making it likely to be the last appeal to the Board from New Zealand.