Subordinate Courts of Singapore

The Subordinate Courts of Singapore is one of the two tiers of the court system in Singapore, the other tier being the Supreme Court. The Subordinate Courts comprise the District and Magistrate Courts—both of which oversee civil and criminal matters—as well as specialised family, juvenile, coroner's courts and a small claims court called the Small Claims Tribunal.

The Subordinate Courts comprise district and magistrate courts and hear both civil and criminal cases that do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. Over 95% of all civil, criminal, family and juvenile cases in Singapore are heard in the Subordinate Courts.

The judges, magistrates, and registrars of the Subordinate Courts are all legal service officers and serve under the supervision and control of Singapore's Legal Service Commission. Judges and magistrates are appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Chief Justice.

There are 5 main operational units in the Subordinate Courts. They are: the Strategic Planning and Training Division, the Corporate and Court Services Division, the Criminal Justice Division, the Civil Justice Division and the Family and Juvenile Justice Division.

The Chief District Judge has overall responsibility for the administration of the Subordinate Courts.

The Chief District Judge leads a team of Judicial Officers who adjudicate on cases brought before the Subordinate Courts. He is assisted administratively by the Deputy Chief District Judge / Registrar and the Corporate and Court Services Division.

As of 1 July 2012, the senior judicial officers of the Subordinate Courts are:

  • Chief District Judge Tan Siong Thye;
  • Deputy Chief District Judge Jennifer Marie, Corporate and Court Services Division, also the Registrar of the Subordinate Courts;
  • Senior District Judge Foo Tuat Yien, Family and Juvenile Justice Division;
  • Senior District Judge See Kee Oon, Criminal Justice Division; and
  • Senior District Judge Leslie Chew Kwee Hoe, Civil Justice Division.

Read more about Subordinate Courts Of Singapore:  The Subordinate Courts Complex, The Family and Juvenile Court Building, Child Focused Resolution Centre, The Community Justice Centre, The New Subordinate Courts Complex, 2012 United Nations Public Service Award, 2011 Singapore Quality Award With Special Commendation, Gallery

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