Despite the name, this is Samoa's superior court of FIRST instance, not its final court. Article 4 of the Constitution lets any person apply to it directly to enforce fundamental rights. It handled the 2021 election litigation at first instance, and its rulings — together with the Court of Appeal's — resolved a constitutional crisis over which party had formed a government.
How the court is constituted
- Tier
- first instance
- Court type
- Superior court of general jurisdiction
- Jurisdiction
- Unlimited original jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters, constitutional applications under Article 4, judicial review, and appeals from the District Court.
- Seat
- Apia
- Established
- 1962
- Composition
- The Chief Justice and judges of the Supreme Court, sitting alone.
- Appointment
- The Chief Justice is appointed by the Head of State on the Prime Minister's advice; other judges on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission.
- Languages
- Samoan, English
Where an appeal goes next
Appeal to the Court of Appeal of Samoa.
Filing at this court
- Constitutional application
- Article 4 application; no fixed limitation period
- Judicial review
- Filed promptly; the court may refuse relief for delay
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