The Supreme Court

Lexicon of Terms

The High Court of Justice Website

Lexicon of Terms

The Supreme Court

The Supreme Court stands at the head of the judicial system in the state, and is the highest legal instance. There are usually 12 judges serving on the SC panel, but recently their number was increased to 14. The judges are chosen by a special committee, in which the Knesset is represented by two members. The Supreme Court and the legal system as a whole are headed by the President of the SC who has a deputy. The court bench consists of three or more judges, depending on the issue being reviewed. The SC acts as a court of appeals against the rulings and other decisions of the district courts, as well as against various other legal and quasi-legal decisions. At times, the Supreme Court may also review its own decisions. The SC may also sit as a High Court of Justice.