The Supreme Court of Hong Kong (Chinese: 香港最高法院) was the highest court in Hong Kong prior to the transfer of sovereignty of Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to the People's Republic of China in 1997 and heard cases of first instance and appeals from the District and Magisrates Courts as well as certain tribunals. The Supreme Court was made up of the High Court of Justice (High Court) and the Court of Appeal. On 1 July 1997, the Supreme Court became the High Court which is made up of the Court of First Instance and the Court of Appeal.