The superior court of first instance, hearing serious crime, civil claims above the Court of Common Pleas limit, and judicial review. Procedure and statutory drafting follow American models closely, and much of the bar and bench trained in the United States under admission rules that recognise US qualifications.
How the court is constituted
- Tier
- first instance
- Court type
- Superior court of general jurisdiction
- Jurisdiction
- General original jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters, constitutional questions, and judicial review of administrative action.
- Seat
- Koror
- Established
- 1981
- Composition
- Associate justices of the Supreme Court sitting alone as trial judges.
- Appointment
- Appointed by the President from the Judicial Nominating Commission's list, with Senate confirmation.
- Languages
- English, Palauan
Where an appeal goes next
Appeal to the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Palau.
Filing at this court
- Civil claim
- Limitation periods set by title 14 of the Palau National Code
- Judicial review
- Filed under the Administrative Procedure Act within 30 days of final agency action
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