Media Release: Singapore Courts Commemorate Bicentennial: Celebrating Two Centuries of Legal Heritage and the Rule of Law

1.   The Singapore Courts will mark a historic bicentennial this year, celebrating two centuries of upholding the rule of law since the landmark Second Charter of Justice of 1826. Speaking at the Opening of the Legal Year (OLY) on 12 January 2026, The Honourable the Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon unveiled a series of commemorative initiatives to honour the evolution of Singapore’s judicial system and its enduring role in the nation's progress.

2.   Reflecting on the significance of this milestone, Chief Justice Menon said: "In marking the Bicentennial, we commemorate a moment of signal importance in Singapore’s journey from humble beginnings within a colonial empire to a thriving city-state that shines as a standard-bearer for the rule of law and governance. We honour the devoted service of all who have made it their life’s work to build our legal and judicial system into what it is today: an institution of excellence and integrity that all of us – every judge, lawyer, and Singaporean – can be proud of and can call our own."

Commemorating 200 Years of Upholding the Rule of Law

3.   To mark the occasion, Chief Justice Menon launched the Bicentennial logo and a commemorative medallion. The logo reflects the Judiciary's proud heritage, while the medallion features Singapore’s first courthouse – now The Arts House – alongside the modern Supreme Court. This symbolises two centuries of unwavering commitment to justice and the dedication of generations of legal professionals. The medallion was presented to attendees of the Opening of the Bicentennial Legal Year and will be presented to selected recipients throughout 2026.

4.   In tandem, the Singapore Academy of Law has curated “The Charter & the Courts: 200 Years of the Rule of Law in Singapore.” This year-long exhibition at the Supreme Court, launching today, traces the Judiciary’s role in Singapore's stability and success. It aims to engage the community, particularly students, in understanding how the legal system has evolved to meet societal needs.

Bicentennial Celebration Week: November 2026

5.   The year’s celebrations will culminate in November with the Bicentennial Celebration Week, featuring three major events:

a) Global Rule of Law Conference (24 - 26 November): Held at the Shangri-La Singapore, this flagship event will convene global judicial leaders and thought leaders to discuss the rule of law’s role in economic growth, international cooperation, and future global challenges.

b) Gala Dinner & Publication Launch (26 November): The Bicentennial Gala Dinner will bring together key stakeholders to celebrate the Judiciary's 200-year legacy and will feature the launch of the commemorative publication, "The Singapore Judiciary – A Bicentennial History", co-edited by Senior Judge Andrew Phang and Deputy Attorney-General Goh Yihan, SC.

c) Formal Sitting of the Court (27 November): To mark the Bicentennial, a historic Formal Sitting of the Supreme Court will be held. Foreign Chief Justices and judicial representatives will also be invited to attend, underscoring the global friendship and standing of Singapore’s legal system and adding a global dimension to this momentous occasion.

6.   For more information on the Bicentennial celebrations, visit the Judiciary’s website at https://www.judiciary.gov.sg/who-we-are/history-courts. To view Chief Justice Menon’s full response at the OLY 2026, please visit https://go.gov.sg/oly2026-cj-response.