A tribunal is a quasi-judicial body or administrative agency established by law to adjudicate disputes, make decisions, or resolve legal issues within a specific area of jurisdiction. Tribunals operate outside the traditional court system but have the authority to hear and determine certain types of cases or matters assigned to them by legislation or regulations. These matters may include disputes related to employment, immigration, tax, social security, housing, or professional regulatory matters. Tribunals are typically composed of experts or individuals with specialized knowledge in the relevant area of law or subject matter, rather than judges, and they may follow procedures and rules specific to their jurisdiction. The decisions of tribunals are legally binding and subject to judicial review by the courts in certain circumstances. Tribunals provide an accessible, efficient, and specialised forum for resolving disputes and administering justice in areas where expertise or specialized knowledge is required.
an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business.
- An assembly including one or more judges to conduct judicial business; a court of law.
- A kind of village hall used to transact business, to quarter troops and travellers, and to confine prisoners.
A judicial body somewhat like a court, but specialising in a particular area of law. In the UK, the term is used in two, slightly different ways: in the general sense described above, and for the specific appeals tribunals administered by the Court Service (see: Court service). These latter are as follows:
- Social Security Commissioners and Child Support Commissioners
- Immigration Appellate Authority
- VAT and Duties Tribunal
- Special Commissioners and Markets Tribunal
- Lands Tribunal
- Employment Appeals Tribunal
Note that the Employment Appeals Tribunal does not hear employment disputes, but only appeals from the rulings of employment tribunals themselves.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.
To help you cite our definitions in your bibliography, here is the proper citation layout for the three major formatting styles, with all of the relevant information filled in.
- Page URL:https://dlssolicitors.com/define/tribunal/
- Modern Language Association (MLA):Tribunal. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. April 18, 2024 https://dlssolicitors.com/define/tribunal/.
- Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):Tribunal. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. https://dlssolicitors.com/define/tribunal/ (accessed: April 18, 2024).
- American Psychological Association (APA):Tribunal. dlssolicitors.com. Retrieved April 18, 2024, from dlssolicitors.com website: https://dlssolicitors.com/define/tribunal/
