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SUBORDINATE COURTS |
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Learning Objectives |
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The Subordinate Courts deal with more than ninety five percent of all cases that require adjudication in Singapore. Thus, it is the Subordinate Courts that most people's perception of justice in Singapore is shaped. A visit to the Subordinate Courts will help students to understand how the institution has successfully attempted to cope with the rising expectations of society, by delivering quality service to all who make use of the system of justice.
At the Subordinate Courts Building in Havelock Road, student will be able to see the different courts in action : District Courts, Magistrates' Courts, and a number of specialist courts, such as the Criminal Mentions Courts, the Coroner's Court, the Bail Video-link Court and the Traffic Court. This differentiation of functions was part of the move to make the courts more effective and efficient, and thus more accessible to the public. In this regard, the extension of the hours of operation to 9pm of some courts (commonly called Night Courts) is testimony of the Subordinate Courts' drive to provide excellent public service. The visit will also enable students to witness first-hand, the enactment and excitement of courtroom processes as they can sit in a criminal trial on the day of visit.
More generally, the visit will help students understand why our judicial system, like our port and airport, are so well regarded internationally. Indeed, a justice system that is accessible, fair and expeditious, and that is able to win public trust and confidence, has an important effect on our quality of life in Singapore. Such desirable qualities will also help give Singapore a competitive advantage as prudent investors would choose to operate in an environment where their legal rights are clear and easily enforced. |
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Learning Site |
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Under the Singapore Constitution, the Judiciary comprises the Supreme Court and the Subordinate Courts. The Chief Justice is the constitutional Head of the Judiciary, while the Senior District Judge is tasked with the management and administration of the Subordinate Courts.
The Subordinate Courts began operating from the building at Havelock Square in 1975. The Small Claims Tribunals will be operational from Havelock Square by the end of March 2005. The Family and Juvenile Court is located adjacent to the main Subordinate Courts building. |
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