Parents, teachers and tourists visit the Supreme Court to learn more about our judicial system, our history and also courthouse architecture in the past and present.
Our Judicial System
In Singapore, there are three branches of government – Legislature, Executive and Judiciary. The Judiciary is headed by the Chief Justice, is a system of courts that upholds the law.
To learn more about our Judicial System and the Supreme Court, see:
Getting to the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is located in the heart of the city at 1 Supreme Court Lane. The main entrance of the Supreme Court is along Parliament Place, opposite the Parliament House.
If you’re driving:
Parking is not available in the Supreme Court premises. The nearest public car parks available in the vicinity of the Supreme Court building are at the following locations:
- The Adelphi
- Parliament House (Public Carpark)
An underground link way located at B2 connects the Parliament House (Public Carpark) to Supreme Court which operates from 8.30am to 6pm (Mondays to Thursdays) and 8.30am to 5.30pm (Fridays) only.
If you’re cycling:
Should you wish to cycle to Supreme Court, please do not park indiscriminately. You can park and secure your bicycles at the bicycle bay at the following locations:
- The Adelphi – Walkway between Adelphi and Supreme Court Building
- National Gallery Singapore – After the bus stop along Parliament Place
Arriving by Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)
The closest MRT station is City Hall. The City Hall station is one of the stops along the North-South Line and also the East-West Line. Take Exit B from the City Hall station.
- Proceed up the escalator, turn left and walk along North Bridge Road.
- When you arrive at the Coleman Street cross junction, continue to walk straight.
- Upon the next traffic light, turn left into Supreme Court Lane.
The entrance to the Supreme Court will be on your left. The walk from City Hall station is about 5-7 minutes.
Arriving by Bus
There are 3 bus stops near the Supreme Court. They are all about 3 minutes’ walk from the Supreme Court.
Bus Stop along North Bridge Road (Marked "A" in the map)
This bus stop is in between the Treasury Building and the Supreme Court and has the most buses. The bus stop code is 04249. It takes about 3 minutes to walk from this bus stop to the Supreme Court entrance.
SBS Buses
51, 63, 80, 124, 145, 166, 174, 174e, 197
SMRT Buses
61, 851, 961
Bus Stop along Parliament Place (Marked "B" in the map)
This bus stop is opposite Parliament Place. The bus stop code is 02181. It takes about 3 minutes to walk from this bus stop to the Supreme Court.
SBS Buses
195
SMRT Buses
961
Visiting and Operating Hours
The Supreme Court is open from 8.30am - 6.00pm from Monday to Friday. The various offices and counters within the Supreme Court have different operating hours.
Visiting Hours
Monday to Friday: 8.30am - 6.00pm
Commissioner for Oaths Operating Hours
Monday to Thursday: 9.00am - 5.30pm
Friday: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Legal Registry Operating Hours
Monday to Thursday: 9.00am - 5.30pm
Friday: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Translation Office Operating Hours
Monday to Thursday: 9.00am - 5.30pm
Friday: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Things to Do and See
All Visitors
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| The Supreme Court Gallery chronicles significant developments in Singapore's legal history as well as major legal milestones since the founding of Singapore in 1819. |
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| The Learning Court features an interactive learning space, providing visitors a dynamic and delightful learning experience about the Singapore Court system and the Supreme Court. It features multimedia enactment and role play with audience participation. |
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| The Viewing Gallery offers visitors a bird’s eye view of the old Supreme Court and City Hall, the Parliament House and other significant monuments that define Singapore’s Civic District. |
Law Students
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| To experience what it is really like inside a Courtroom, you may want to attend a hearing. Hearings are open to the public except for hearings that take place in the Judges' or Registrars' chambers. The Court of Appeal is on level 9. |
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| Law students may also want to check out the Centralised Display Management System. From this system, you can see all the hearings taking place, the judges presiding and find out which hearings are open to the public. |
Teachers and Parents
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| The Guided Tours are highly recommended for teachers and parents bringing groups of school-going children. Conducted by our authorised educational partners, they can be customised to children of various ages. Charges apply. |
Architecture and Heritage Lovers
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| The Old Supreme Court is a must-see for architecture and heritage lovers when it is open to the public. |
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| The architecture of the current Supreme Court expresses the ideal of transparency in the law. The disc-shaped structure dome is intended to represent the impartiality of justice. To learn more, see Courthouse Architecture. |
Attending a Hearing
Attending Only Hearings Open to the Public
Hearings are open to the public except for hearings that take place in the Judges' or Registrars' chambers.
In sensitive cases, for example those involving the testimony of a vulnerable witness, hearings may be closed to the public. On such occasions, there will be a sign on the door bearing the words "Hearing in Camera".
Etiquette When Attending Hearings
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Please switch off all mobile and other beeping devices before you enter the courtroom as these may disrupt the proceedings.
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Enter the courtroom silently and bow to the Judge as a sign of respect before proceeding to your seat. A security officer will take down your particulars.
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Silence must be observed at all times during the hearing and visitors are not allowed to address the court.
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You may leave the courtroom at any time during the hearing. As a sign of courtesy to the Judge, visitors usually bow to the Judge just before leaving the courtroom.
Guided and Virtual Tours
Guided Tours by Educational Partners
The Supreme Court hosts guided tours run by authorised educational partners. They are open to individuals, tourists, schools and groups.
Guided Tours must be booked in advanced and changes apply. To learn more, visit Guided Tours.
Mobile Tour of the Old Supreme Court
To tour the old Supreme Court, you can download a mobile app titled "Old Supreme Court". With the app, you can learn about the building's layout, including its underground holding cells for criminal suspects.
The app, available for Android and Apple platforms, is developed by the Singapore Academy of Law and local artist Eugene Soh.
Security and Weapons
The security is similar to that at airports. When you enter, your bags are scanned and you walk through a screening gate.
Any items that may be used as weapons (e.g. knives) are not allowed within the Supreme Court’s premises. Anyone found in possession of any of these items will be handed over to the police.
Dress Code, Photography and Other Tips
Dress Code
Visitors should be properly attired. Visitors dressed in singlets, shorts, slippers or other inappropriate attire may be not allowed from entering the Supreme Court.
Examples of appropriate dressing include smart casual wear, office wear and traditional dress (please see illustrations below). Visitors who are dressed in a manner that is indecent or offensive, may be prohibited from entering the courthouse.
Source: Text and photos by State Courts, Singapore
Conduct
The Court is a place where decorum appropriate to the location of the Court as a building for the administration of justice, must be observed. The officers of the court, as well as the security personnel have a responsibility to preserve the security of the premises (including the public areas) and to ensure that members of the public behave in an appropriate manner (for example, no loitering or picnicking) at the premises so as to uphold the decorum of the courts.
Photography
Strictly no photography or video recordings
Photography and video recordings are strictly not allowed within the Supreme Court’s premises. One of the main reasons for this restriction is to protect the privacy of litigants, potential litigants and their family members.
Mobile phones with cameras
You may bring your mobile phones, even those with cameras, into the Supreme Court. Remember not to take photos with your mobile phone. If you do, security will have to confiscate your phone.
Lockers for your camera and recording devices
You will be asked to leave your camera and video/audio recording devices in lockers at security when you enter. You can retrieve them on your way out.
Building Facilities and Directory
Looking for the information counter, a specific courtroom, the library or gallery? All the facilities are all listed in our floor-by-floor directory.
Food and Drink
The Chilli Api Cafe at level 1 offers light refreshments and food to the public. Within the court premises (e.g. inside a courtroom) only drinking water is allowed.