Organisational Structure

Organisational Structure

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The Family Justice Courts (FJC) are headed by the Presiding Judge of the Family Justice Courts, who is assisted by the Deputy Presiding Judge, Judges of the High Court (Family Division) and judicial officers (such as district judges or magistrates), court family specialists and court administrators.

The district judges and magistrates may concurrently be appointed as assistant registrars.

The two main divisions in the FJC are the:

  • Registry.
  • Judiciary Administration.

 

The Registry

The FJC Registry comprises five clusters and divisions:

Family Cluster

Deals with divorce, probate, adoption, deputyship and international child abduction cases.

Family Dispute Resolution Cluster

Deals with family dispute resolution services, maintenance mediation and counselling and psychological services.

Family Protection and Support Cluster

Deals with protection against family violence, maintenance, protection for vulnerable adults and Youth Courts cases such as youth arrest, family guidance and care and protection.

Strategic Planning and Research Division

Deals with planning and policy, performance management and research, strategic relations and programmes, and judicial capability development.

Therapeutic Justice (TJ) Transformation

Oversees and drives efforts to implement FJC’s TJ Model via new registry processes, progress monitoring, and solutions generation to ensure integration of TJ into court processes.

 

Judiciary Administration

The Chief Executive (Office of the Chief Justice) oversees the integrated administration of the judiciary, ensuring the efficient running of the courts and provision of effective services to court users.

Source:

https://www.judiciary.gov.sg/who-we-are/role-structure-family-justice-courts/structure  

Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction

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The Family Justice Courts (FJC) are part of the court system in Singapore that upholds the law and ensures justice is accessible to all. It has judicial power to hear family-related cases that involve legal issues within the family, such as divorce, probate, maintenance and family violence, among other cases. The FJC also deals with the care and treatment of young persons.

The FJC operates based on the principles of therapeutic justice. This is a multi-disciplinary approach that applies insights from psychology and social science research for more holistic outcomes.


The courts within the Family Justice Courts deal with the following types of cases:

Family Courts

Family-related cases including:

  • Divorce.
  • Probate and administration.
  • Maintenance
  • Protection against family violence.
  • Deputyship.
  • Adoption.
  • Protection for vulnerable adults.
  • Guardianship.
  • International child abduction.

Youth Courts

The following cases under the Children and Young Persons Act:

  • Family guidance.
  • Care and protection.
  • Youth arrest (criminal cases involving youth offenders).

Family Division of the High Court

 

Cases that can be heard in the High Court (Family Division) include:

  • Family proceedings (such as for ancillary matters) involving assets of $5 million or more.
  • Probate matters where the value of the deceased’s estate is more than $5 million or if the case involves resealing of a foreign grant.
  • Appeals against decisions of the Family Courts or Youth Courts.
  • Cases involving important questions of law or test cases.
  • Cases that the High Court or a Family Court determines should be heard in the High Court (Family Division) for any other sufficient reason.

 

The Youth Courts’ approach

The philosophy of the Youth Courts is that of restorative justice. The Youth Courts prioritise the welfare and best interests of youths. This takes the form of a multi-disciplinary approach that may involve court reviews to monitor the youth’s progress.

Restorative justice

Restorative justice in the Youth Courts recognises the potential for change and reform in young offenders and delinquent youths.

Restorative justice seeks to integrate the young offender or delinquent youth back into their families and the community. It also seeks to balance the need for effective deterrence with rehabilitation and restoration.

Multi-disciplinary approach for the welfare of youths

The Youth Courts place the welfare and best interests of youths as the first and paramount consideration. The emphasis is on identifying and preventing crime, delinquency and abuse through early intervention, assistance and care.

In suitable cases, the Youth Courts may order a youth to be removed from undesirable surroundings and make provision for their education and training. There is also protection for youths who face parental neglect.

Within the courts

Judges in the Youth Courts will discuss cases concerning children or young persons with panel advisers and court family specialists.

  • Panel advisers: Individuals and professionals in the community with vast experience working with youths, and are appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF). A panel adviser’s role is to advise the judge on the appropriate orders to pass for the child or young person.
  • Court family specialists: These specialists from the Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provide expertise in psycho-legal and social science issues relevant to the cases discussed. They also facilitate family conferences when directed by the judge to address concerns relating to the child or young person and the family, as well as specific issues relevant to the rehabilitation and restoration of the youth to the community.

Beyond the courts

The Youth Courts collaborate closely with various agencies, stakeholders and professionals such as the MSF, Ministry of Education (MOE), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), social workers, psychologist and counsellors.

The Youth Courts will also issue appropriate orders that will bring about a more sustained change for the betterment of families, including ordering relevant parties in the family of the affected child or youth to undergo mediation or counselling, or to participate in family support programmes by relevant organisations such as the MSF.

Court reviews

The court may order court reviews for youth arrest or family guidance cases where there is considerable uncertainty as to how the youth will respond to the court orders. For example, if the youth and their family are expected to undergo major transitions in the coming months, or if the youth had committed a serious offence but was granted probation or supervision to give the youth a chance to demonstrate positive change in behaviour.

Besides regular court reviews, the court may order youths in suitable cases to present their progress to the court. The youth plays a more active role and has to take full ownership for the review of their own behaviour. This is referred to as a progress presentation review.

Court reviews may also be ordered for selected child protection cases, to check one or more of the following:

  • If the child or young person involved is still in need of care and protection.
  • If the existing orders should continue, or be varied or extended.

Source:

https://www.judiciary.gov.sg/who-we-are/role-structure-family-justice-courts

Constitution

Constitution

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The Family Justice Courts are established pursuant to the Family Justice Act 2014, which was passed by Parliament on 4 August 2014.

Under Section 3 of the Family Justice Act, the Family Justice Court consists of

(a) the Family Division of the High Court;

(b) the Family Courts; and

(c) the Youth Courts.

Family Justice Courts

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History of Family Justice Courts Building
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Location and Facilities

Location and Facilities

Location and Facilities

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The State Courts are located at 1 Havelock Square, Singapore 059724.

Spanning 113,000 square meters and 35 storeys, the State Courts Towers houses 53 courtrooms and 54 hearing chambers. To enable court users to better connect with the available avenues for assistance, and to improve the experience of court users, the State Courts Towers have facilities such as a HELP Centre which hosts the Community Justice Centre, the Public Defender’s Office and Pro Bono SG, and a dedicated Business Centre with various self-help applications.

 

Sources:

https://www.judiciary.gov.sg/visit-us/state-courts

https://www.judiciary.gov.sg/news-and-resources/news/news-details/official-opening-of-the-state-courts-towers-by-president-halimah-yacob

History of State Courts Building

History of State Courts Building

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Prior to the establishment of the State Courts Octagon building at 1 Havelock Square in 1975, the State Courts (then known as the Subordinate Courts) operated out of several different locations. The Criminal District and Magistrates’ Courts were located on South Bridge Road, the Traffic Courts were housed in the former Sepoy Lines Police Station in Outram, while the Civil District Courts operated out of the old Parliament Building and the Old Supreme Court Building.

After the Octagon building was constructed, the State Courts began operations at the building in 1975, where they continued to operate for the next 44 years.  The Octagon building achieved conservation status on 10 July 2013.

To cope with an increasing caseload and the growing needs of court users, a new building adjacent to the Octagon building, known as the State Courts Towers, was constructed with modern technological and infrastructural capabilities. The new State Courts Towers commenced operations in December 2019. In 2021, the State Courts Towers were accorded the BCA Universal Design Mark Platinum Award, in recognition of having gone beyond meeting minimum standards and incorporating user-friendly features in buildings and public spaces.

Source:

https://www.judiciary.gov.sg/news-and-resources/news/news-details/official-opening-of-the-state-courts-towers-by-president-halimah-yacob 

https://www.judiciary.gov.sg/news-and-resources/news/news-details/media-release-state-courts-bade-farewell-to-their-home-for-44-years 

Organisational Structure

Organisational Structure

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The State Courts are headed by the Presiding Judge of the State Courts, who is a Judge or Judicial Commissioner of the Supreme Court, with overall responsibility for the leadership and management of the State Courts.

The Presiding Judge of the State Courts is assisted by Principal District Judges, the Registrar of the State Courts and senior court administrators. District judges and magistrates preside over the District Courts and Magistrates’ Courts respectively, and may hold concurrent appointments as deputy registrars, coroners, tribunal judges or magistrates.

The criminal and civil justice system is supported by the following clusters:

Criminal Courts

Manages the hearings and operations of the criminal courts.

Civil Courts

Manages the hearings and operations of the civil courts.

Community Courts and Tribunals

Manages the hearings and operations of the following tribunals and matters:

  • Small Claims Tribunals.
  • Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals.
  • Employment Claims Tribunals.
  • Protection from Harassment Court.
  • Magistrate’s Complaints.

Court Dispute Resolution

Provides court dispute resolution services for the whole range of matters in the State Courts.

Office of the Registrar

Centrally manages the legal registry functions of the State Courts.

For civil cases in the Magistrate’s Court and District Court, all interlocutory applications (applications that are filed and heard before a trial) are heard by judicial officers from the Office of the Registrar.

Strategic Planning and Technology

Oversees data analytics and policy, strategic planning, organisational development, court excellence, and technology in the State Courts.

 

Judiciary Administration

The Chief Executive (Office of the Chief Justice) oversees the integrated administration of the judiciary, ensuring the efficient running of the courts and provision of effective services to court users.

 

Source:

https://www.judiciary.gov.sg/who-we-are/role-structure-state-courts/structure

Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction

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The State Courts are part of the court system in Singapore that upholds the law and ensures justice is accessible to all. It has judicial power to hear both criminal and civil matters.

Each year, the State Courts handle more than 80 per cent of the overall caseload in Singapore and more than 90 per cent of the total criminal caseload.

The courts and tribunals within the State Courts hear the following types of cases.

 

Criminal cases

Civil cases

District Courts

Criminal cases where the maximum imprisonment term does not exceed 10 years or which are punishable with a fine only.

Civil claims of more than $60,000 and up to $250,000 in value. (Or up to $500,000 for claims for road traffic accidents or personal injuries from industrial accidents).

Magistrates’ Courts

Criminal cases where the maximum imprisonment term does not exceed 5 years or which are punishable with a fine only.

Civil claims not exceeding $60,000 in value.

Coroners’ Courts

The Coroner’s Courts conduct inquiries into sudden or unnatural deaths or where the cause of death is unknown.

Not applicable.

Small Claims Tribunals

Not applicable.

Claims not exceeding $20,000 in value (or $30,000 if both parties consent in writing) for disputes involving any of the following:

  • A contract for the sale of goods or provision of services.
  • An unfair practice relating to a hire-purchase agreement.
  • A tort in respect of damage caused to property.
  • A contract relating to a lease of residential premises not exceeding 2 years
  • Certain statutory claims.

Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals

Not applicable.

Claims not exceeding $20,000 for disputes between neighbours involving unreasonable interferences with the enjoyment or use of places of residence.

Employment Claims Tribunals

Not applicable.

Claims not exceeding $20,000 in value (or $30,000 for tripartite-mediated disputes) for disputes between employers and employees involving salary or wrongful dismissal.

 

Some of the District Courts and Magistrates’ Courts are designated as specialised courts.

These include the Criminal Mentions Court, Community Criminal Court, Traffic Court, Night Courts and Protection from Harassment Court.

 

Criminal Mentions Courts

Accused persons are produced at the Criminal Mentions Court when the prosecution is ready to formally file charges against them. There are two Criminal Mentions Courts in the State Courts: one deals with District Arrest Cases and the other deals with Magistrates’ Arrest Cases.

At the Criminal Mentions Court, the charge is read and explained to the accused. The judge can sentence accused persons who plead guilty to the charge. If the accused persons intend to plead guilty to certain categories of offences, the judge will transfer these cases to one of the sentencing courts.

The judge can also hear and grant appropriate applications by the prosecution or the accused. These include bail applications, applications to detain an accused person for further investigations and applications to engage defence counsel. If the accused claims trial, the judge will schedule the case for a pre-trial conference before trial dates are decided by the court.

 

Community Criminal Court

The Community Criminal Court hears criminal cases where there may be underlying causes of criminality that need to be addressed. It employs a problem-solving approach that combines criminal justice and community resources. It is committed to the dual principles of rehabilitation and prevention, in addition to deterrence and retribution.

Examples of cases it hears include:

  • Cases involving youth offenders (at least 16 but below 21 years old).
  • Cases involving offenders with mental illness and special needs.
  • Selected cases involving offenders aged 65 years and above.
  • Cases involving family violence.
  • Cases involving shop theft.
  • Cases involving abuse and cruelty to animals.
  • Cases which impact race relations issues.

 

Traffic Court

The Traffic Court primarily hears traffic offences. The cases it hears include:

  • Fresh traffic arrest cases, such as drink driving.
  • Traffic Police (TP) summonses or notices where there are no offers of composition.
  • Land Transport Authority (LTA) summonses or notices where there are no offers of composition.

It is both a mentions court as well as a trial court. As a mentions court, the Traffic Court hears applications for bail, remand and adjournments, and manages the cases that come before the Traffic Court.

 

Night Courts

The Night Courts deal with regulatory and traffic offences. The Night Courts’ operating hours are from 6.00pm onwards on Mondays to Thursdays.

There are two Night Courts in State Courts, each hearing a specific profile of cases:

  • Summonses and notices issued by government departments, such as the Housing & Development Board (HDB), Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board or Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA).
  • Road traffic offences brought to the court by the TP or LTA.

 

Protection from Harassment Court

The Protection from Harassment Court deals with all matters under the Protection from Harassment Act. It offers victims a one-stop solution for effective and holistic relief.

 

Source:

https://www.judiciary.gov.sg/who-we-are/role-structure-state-courts

Constitution

Constitution

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The State Courts Act 1970 sets out the constitution, jurisdiction and powers of the State Courts.