Sessions court

The Sessions Court is one of the key courts in Malaysia's judicial system, and it is considered the highest of the inferior or subordinate courts. While it is lower in the hierarchy than the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Federal Court, the Sessions Court plays a crucial role in handling a wide range of criminal and civil cases. It is a court that ensures efficient and accessible justice for matters that do not require the involvement of the superior courts.

Criminal Jurisdiction:

The Sessions Court handles all criminal offenses except those punishable by the death penalty. This means that more serious crimes, such as murder or drug trafficking, are not under the jurisdiction of the Sessions Court, as they must be heard in the High Court.
The Sessions Court judge has the authority to impose any sentence other than the death sentence. For instance, if the accused is found guilty of a crime, the Sessions Court judge can impose sentences of imprisonment, fines, or caning, depending on the nature of the offense.
Examples of cases within the criminal jurisdiction of the Sessions Court include offenses such as theft, robbery, assault, and fraud. These are typically less severe offenses than those heard in the High Court but still require formal judicial proceedings

Civil Jurisdiction:

In civil matters, the Sessions Court has the jurisdiction to hear cases involving claims not exceeding RM250,000. This limit is set to ensure that only lower-value civil disputes are handled by the Sessions Court, with higher-value claims being directed to the High Court.
The Sessions Court can hear various civil cases, including contract disputes, property disputes, and personal injury claims, as long as the amount in dispute does not exceed RM250,000. These cases are typically less complex than those handled by the High Court but still require a formal legal process.

Role and Importance of the Sessions Court

The Sessions Court serves as the highest tier of the subordinate courts in Malaysia, handling a significant volume of criminal and civil cases. Its importance lies in its ability to provide access to justice for a wide range of legal issues, particularly those that do not involve the death penalty or complex legal questions. The court ensures that the judicial process remains efficient and that parties involved in less severe cases do not have to wait for a hearing in the higher courts.

Access to Justice: The Sessions Court provides individuals with a forum for resolving disputes and criminal matters at a local level. As it is spread across various regions in Malaysia, it makes the judicial system more accessible to people who may not live near the High Court or Court of Appeal.
Efficient Handling of Cases: With its clear division of criminal and civil jurisdiction, the Sessions Court ensures that the vast majority of legal disputes can be dealt with quickly, thus reducing the burden on higher courts.
Specialized Jurisdiction: By handling criminal cases with moderate severity and civil disputes under RM250,000, the Sessions Court helps alleviate the workload of the High Court. It provides timely justice for cases that fall within its jurisdiction and ensures the higher courts can focus on more complex matters.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse