Supreme Court of Myanmar

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The Supreme Court of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar is the highest court in Myanmar. It operates independently from the legislative and executive branches and serves as the final court of appeal under the Constitution. The court handles civil and criminal cases, has original and appellate authority, can review death sentences, and can issue five kinds of writs. Cases may be heard by a single justice, a panel of justices, or the full bench. It also oversees all lower courts and can propose judiciary bills to the Union Parliament.

History and location: The Supreme Court and its court system were created by the Union Judiciary Act in 1948. The first independent Burma Chief Justice was Dr. Ba U (1948–1952). The old courthouse was in downtown Yangon until 2006; the current court is in Naypyidaw at No. 54 Thiri Mandaing Street.

Composition and appointments: The court is made up of 7 to 11 justices, including the Chief Justice. The Chief Justice’s salary is set at the level of the Vice-President, and other justices are paid at the level of deputy ministers. The Chief Justice is nominated by the President and approved by the Union Parliament (Pyidaungsu Hluttaw).

Current leadership and notable appointments: As of 3 August 2023, the Chief Justice is Thar Htay. Past notable appointments include Htun Htun Oo as Chief Justice in 2011 (approved by the Parliament), and in 2017 new justices Mya Han, Myo Tint, Soe Naing, and Khin Maung Kyi were appointed. In 2018, Myo Win was appointed after Justice Mya Thein retired.