The Supreme Court Digital Transcription System (DTS) is an integrated system to facilitate the digital audio recording of court hearings and the preparation of transcripts.

Implemented in August 2005, DTS is currently available for all criminal trials and trials in civil actions commenced by writ. Parties may also apply for DTS to be used in certain other hearings such as appeals in open court.

DTS is also available, upon application, for certain hearings in chambers such as appeals to a Judge in chambers, and special date and assessments of damages hearings before registrars. The use of DTS in chambers hearings is subject to the approval of the Judge or the Registrar.

For civil matters, where DTS is used, the audio recording is, pursuant to O. 38A, r. 1 of the Rules of Court, the official record of hearing.

There is no charge for the audio recording of court proceedings. Subject to the Court’s approval and upon payment of the requisite fee, parties may obtain a copy of the transcript of court proceedings or audio recording.

Digital audio recording facilities are installed in all 23 courtrooms and 8 registrars’ hearing chambers in the Supreme Court.

Service Provider & Procedure

Merrill Corporation Asia Limited (Singapore Branch) is the official transcription service provider for the Supreme Court.  If you wish to request for the transcript or the audio record of court proceedings, please download the relevant request Form and fax it to the Supreme Court at 6332 3952, at least 7 clear working days before the commencement of the hearing.

For transcript of trials  -  use this Form 

 

For transcript of proceedings other than trials  -  use this Form

 

For audio recording of trials and proceedings other than trials - use this Form

Please note the following when making your orders:

1.  All parties must pay the service provider, Merrill, directly for the services, audio recordings and/or transcripts requested.

2.  If transcripts are requested, the party must supply to Merrill (wherever applicable):

(a) authorities or bundles of authorities;

 

(b) documentary exhibits or bundles of documents;

 

(c) written submissions;

 

(d) lists of the names of witnesses; and

 

(e) any document tendered at the hearing.

These documents must be supplied to Merrill at least 2 clear working days before the hearing starts.  If the request for transcript is only made after the hearing has started, or after the hearing has concluded, the documents must be supplied to Merrill together with the request Form.

Enquiries on the use of the DTS transcript services can be directed to Merrill, at 6720 0103.  The applicable fees and the delivery timeline options can be viewed at http://www.wordwave.com.sg/eng/sc_fee.html.