Judicial System And Courts

Question 1

What is the highest court in Sri Lanka?

Answer 1

Supreme Court

Question 2

Who appoints judges of the Supreme Court?

Answer 2

President with Parliamentary Council nomination

Question 3

How many judges are typically on the Supreme Court?

Answer 3

Chief Justice + 6 to 10 judges

Question 4

Which court interprets the Constitution?

Answer 4

Supreme Court

Question 5

What writs can the Court of Appeal issue?

Answer 5

Certiorari, Mandamus, Prohibition, Quo Warranto

Question 6

Which court hears appeals from Magistrate’s Courts?

Answer 6

High Court

Question 7

What is the jurisdiction of the Commercial High Court?

Answer 7

Commercial disputes over 20 million rupees

Question 8

Which court handles family law matters?

Answer 8

District Court

Question 9

What is the maximum imprisonment Magistrate’s Courts can impose normally?

Answer 9

2 years

Question 10

What law governs the structure of courts in Sri Lanka?

Answer 10

Judicature Act No. 2 of 1978

Question 11

Who appoints Magistrates?

Answer 11

Judicial Service Commission

Question 12

What is the role of Primary Courts?

Answer 12

Lowest courts with limited civil/criminal jurisdiction

Question 13

Which court hears fundamental rights applications?

Answer 13

Supreme Court

Question 14

Which tribunal handles labour disputes?

Answer 14

Labour Tribunal

Question 15

What is the maximum fine Magistrate’s Courts can impose without special provisions?

Answer 15

Rs. 1,500

Question 16

Where is the Chief Magistrate’s Court located?

Answer 16

Colombo

Question 17

What is the role of the Judicial Service Commission?

Answer 17

Appoints and disciplines judges and magistrates

Question 18

Which court conducts post-mortem examinations?

Answer 18

Magistrate’s Court

Question 19

Appeals from District Courts go to which court?

Answer 19

High Court of Civil Appeal

Question 20

Which court has original jurisdiction over serious criminal offenses?

Answer 20

High Court

Question 21

How many judicial districts are there approximately?

Answer 21

7

Question 22

What are acting magistrates?

Answer 22

Temporary magistrates appointed for specific duties

Question 23

What rights does the Supreme Court protect?

Answer 23

Fundamental rights

Question 24

What punishment can the Court of Appeal impose for contempt?

Answer 24

Imprisonment up to 5 years

Question 25

What is the purpose of the High Court of Civil Appeal?

Answer 25

Expedite civil appeals from District Courts

Question 26

Who defines judicial district boundaries?

Answer 26

Minister of Justice with consultation

Question 27

Until what age do Supreme Court judges serve?

Answer 27

65 years

Question 28

What other cases does the Commercial High Court handle?

Answer 28

Intellectual property cases

Question 29

Which court conducts first post-mortem examinations?

Answer 29

Magistrate's Court

Question 30

Which court is the final appellate court?

Answer 30

The Supreme Court.

Question 31

How many judges are in the Court of Appeal?

Answer 31

6 to 11 judges.

Question 32

What disciplinary powers does the Judicial Service Commission have?

Answer 32

Discipline magistrates and judges.

Question 33

What constitutional power does the Supreme Court have?

Answer 33

Review bills for constitutionality.

Question 34

Who handles guardianship of minors and persons of unsound mind?

Answer 34

District Courts.

Question 35

When was the Judicature Act enacted?

Answer 35

1978.

Question 36

Which court hears appeals from Magistrate's Courts?

Answer 36

High Court.

Question 37

What election petitions can the Supreme Court hear?

Answer 37

Presidential, Parliamentary, Local government.

Question 38

Why was the Commercial High Court established?

Answer 38

To reduce backlog of commercial cases.

Question 39

What is the Court of Appeal's judge count?

Answer 39

6 to 11 judges.

Question 40

What writs can the Court of Appeal issue?

Answer 40

Certiorari, Mandamus, Prohibition.

Question 41

What jurisdiction do Magistrate's Courts have?

Answer 41

Minor criminal offenses.

Question 42

What is the senior Magistrate's Court in Colombo called?

Answer 42

Chief Magistrate's Court.

Question 43

In some divisions, Primary Courts function as part of which court?

Answer 43

Magistrate's Court.

Question 44

What supervisory powers does the Supreme Court have over attorneys?

Answer 44

Enrolment, suspension, removal.

Question 45

Can High Courts conduct jury trials?

Answer 45

Yes, with or without jury.

Question 46

What is the maximum imprisonment for contempt by Court of Appeal?

Answer 46

5 years.

Question 47

What is the Judicial Service Commission responsible for?

Answer 47

Appointment of judges and magistrates.

Question 48

What original jurisdiction does the Supreme Court have?

Answer 48

Fundamental rights applications.

Question 49

What is the High Court of Civil Appeal's purpose?

Answer 49

Speed up civil appeals.

Question 50

How many judicial districts exist in Sri Lanka?

Answer 50

Approximately 72.