Federal Court of Malaysia
The Federal Court is the highest court and the final court of appeal in Malaysia. Established under Article 121(2) of the Federal Constitution, it plays a crucial role in the Malaysian judicial system.
Jurisdiction and Powers
The Federal Court has both original and appellate jurisdiction:
Original Jurisdiction
- Disputes between states or between the federal government and any state
- Interpretation of the Federal Constitution
- Validity of laws passed by Parliament or state legislatures
Appellate Jurisdiction
- Appeals from the Court of Appeal
- Appeals from the High Court in respect of specific constitutional issues
Composition
The Federal Court consists of:
- The Chief Justice of the Federal Court (who is also the head of the judiciary)
- The President of the Court of Appeal
- The Chief Judges of the High Courts
- Up to 11 other judges
Key Functions
- Constitutional Interpretation: The Federal Court is the ultimate arbiter on constitutional matters.
- Final Appeals: It hears final appeals on civil and criminal cases from lower courts.
- Advisory Opinions: The court can give advisory opinions on legal questions referred by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
- Judicial Review: It has the power to review decisions of lower courts and administrative actions.
Historical Significance
The Federal Court has played a pivotal role in shaping Malaysian law and constitutional interpretation since its establishment. Its decisions are binding on all lower courts and serve as important precedents in the Malaysian legal system.
Recent Developments
In recent years, the Federal Court has been involved in several landmark cases that have had significant impacts on Malaysian law and society. These include decisions on freedom of religion, electoral laws, and fundamental liberties.
Locations
The Federal Court is located in Putrajaya, the federal administrative capital of Malaysia. Specifically:
- Palace of Justice (Istana Kehakiman) Precinct 3, 62506 Putrajaya, Malaysia
This centralized location allows the Federal Court to serve as the apex court for the entire country.
For more information on specific cases or procedures of the Federal Court, please consult legal professionals or official court resources.