Penang High Court, George Town

Founded in 1808, the Penang High Court is the birthplace of Malaysia's judiciary system and remains the apex court in Penang's legal hierarchy. It was moved to its present location at Light Street in 1809, following which the current Palladian-style edifice was constructed between 1901 and 1905, under the direction of John H. McCallum, the Surveyor-General of the Straits Settlements. Its Palladian design is evident in the domed chamber and imposing columns; the original statues and emblems on the building have been removed over time.

The establishment of this institution marked a pivotal moment in Malaya's legal history, heralding the introduction of a modern legal system that would later evolve into Malaysia's current judiciary. Notably, it was within these walls that the first female judge was admitted to the Straits Settlements and Federated Malay States Bars during the 1920s. Additionally, Malaysia's first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, was admitted to the Bar in 1974 within the precincts of the Penang High Court.

In the 2000s, the courthouse underwent renovations, including the addition of a new wing. Adjacent to Light Street, another courthouse accommodating the Magistrates and Sessions Courts was also completed as part of this effort.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in George Town. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Penang High Court
Sight Location: George Town, Malaysia (See walking tours in George Town)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Farquhar Street Walking Tour

Walking Tours in George Town, Malaysia

Create Your Own Walk in George Town

Creating your own self-guided walk in George Town is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Farquhar Street Walking Tour

Farquhar Street, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008, is a culturally rich thoroughfare in George Town, Malaysia, and home to many interesting historic properties. Let's take a brief journey down this storied street and see what they are.

At the outset of Farquhar stands the impressive Supreme Court building, a symbol of justice and governance in Penang. Just a stone's throw away,... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles

George Town Introduction Walking Tour

Some felt in Malaya that the city of George Town should be renamed Tanjung Penaga ("Cape Penaga"). That was the name of the area where George Town now stands. But the Chinese, British, Muslim, Malay and Indian movers and shakers of the town wisely declined. It might be bad for business.

Captain Francis Light, R. N., came to Tanjung Penaga in 1786. He wanted to set up an entrep么t for... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles

George Town's Historical Religious Buildings

George Town, Malaysia, has much to be proud of when it comes to religious heritage. The city boasts a plethora of wonderful churches, temples, mosques, and other religious sites 鈥� each beautifully decorated and with its own unique story. Follow us on this self-guided walk and see some of them up close.

We start at the Acheen Street Mosque. Dating back to the early 19th century, this is one of... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles

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