Supreme Court/Legends

"The Courts take even longer to decide things than the Senate."

- Padmé Amidala

The Supreme Court was the highest court of law in the Old Republic, and composed the judicial branch of the Republic's government. The Supreme Court was headquartered in the Galactic Courts of Justice Building on Coruscant.

The Court consisted of twelve justices (each addressed as "Your Honor"); one of them was the Chief Justice who headed both the Court and the judicial branch. The Supreme Chancellor apparently could influence appointments to the Court in some way (at least during Palpatine's tenure), most likely through nominations.

The Supreme Court, in addition to serving as a 'court of last resort' and as a determiner of constitutional legality, the Court also tried cases involving the highest politicians and most noteworthy people in the Republic. However, at least some cases (including the trial of senators for treason) were handled by the Senate. The Court apparently had the ability to try the same case more than once; this may mean that the Republic's judicial system had no conon of Naboo]].

When the New Republic took Coruscant in 7 ABY, the Supreme Court was replaced by the Court of Justice.

Behind the scenes
It is interesting to note that there are an even number of justices in the Supreme Court. No mention has yet been made on how split decisions are handled or avoided.

Appearances

 * Cloak of Deception
 * Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
 * Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
 * Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones comic
 * Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith