Tribunals deal with about 1 million cases a year, on a huge variety of issues such as disputes over tax, pensions or immigration.
Tribunals
Tribunals form part of the civil justice system. There are many different types of tribunal, each with a focus on a specific area of law, for example employment law, or immigration cases.
Tribunals form part of the civil justice system. There are many different types of tribunal, each with a focus on a specific area of law, for example employment law, or immigration cases.
On 3 April 2006, the Tribunals Service was created. The new organisation brings together a large number of tribunals which will help to bring about a more common and consistent approach to the way in which tribunals perform their duties. Read more about the Tribunal Service.
Tribunals usually sit as a panel, incorporating a legally qualified tribunal chairman, as well as panel members with specific areas of expertise. There is no jury and a tribunal chairman does not have the power to imprison an unsuccessful party. Their main role is to try and bring about a successful resolution of the difficulties, and in some cases, to make a decision on the level of compensation or redress to be awarded to the successful party.
Many cases involve individuals putting their own case, without legal assistance, so the system needs to be accessible to all. Tribunal judges often help to ensure this, by guiding non-legally qualified parties through the necessary procedures, if necessary.
There are many different tribunals, covering a wide range of different areas affecting day-to-day life. A full list is set out in Schedule 14 of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005, but of those, only about 20 or so sit regularly. View the list of Tribunals .
Tribunal president
The President is responsible for the day-to-day judicial administration of their tribunal. They act as a vital link between the Senior President of the Tribunals Service, the judicial officers of their tribunal, and the senior judiciary outside the Tribunals Service (especially in the case of Presidents who are High Court Judges). Read more about Tribunal President.
Tribunal Chairmen or Tribunal Judges
Tribunal judges will be legally qualified and responsible for ensuring the tribunal makes the correct decision in law. Read more about Tribunal Chairmen or Tribunal Judges.
Tribunal panel member
Panel members, also known as lay members are non-legal representatives on tribunals. Their role is to provide specialist knowledge to the tribunal. Read more about Tribunal panel member.
Asylum and Immigration Judges
Asylum and Immigration Tribunal Judges hear and determine appeals within set time limits and are responsible for delivering a fair, fast and effective appeal mechanism. Read more about Asylum and Immigration Judges.