Tribunals

• What are tribunals commonly known as?


  Inferior courts
• How do tribunals operate in relation to the court system?


  They operate alongside the court system but specialize in specific issues.
• What types of issues do tribunals deal with?


  Immigration, employment, tax, health, and education.
• What is the role of tribunals?


  To enforce citizen’s rights and uphold welfare standards.
• Who oversees the tribunal?


  A tribunal judge.
• How many tribunal judges are there in the legal system?

  500
• Who appoints tribunal judges?

  The Judicial Appointments Commission.
• What is the structure of a tribunal?


  A tribunal includes a judge and two lay members who are experts in the field.
• Do you need a lawyer to represent you in a tribunal?


  No
• What improvements were made after the Leggatt Report in 2001?


  The restructuring of tribunals into First Tier and Upper Tribunals.
• What is the appeal process in tribunals?


  Appeals can go to the Upper Tier and then to the Court of Appeal or Supreme Court.
• How formal is the tribunal setting compared to a court?


  Tribunals are less formal, with no wigs or gowns required.
• Is there a fee to bring a case to a tribunal?


  No fee is required to bring a case.
• What is the role of lay members in a tribunal?


  They support the tribunal judge and provide expertise in the field.
• How do tribunals differ from courts in terms of decision-making?

  Tribunals do not follow precedent or give reasons for their decisions.
• What are the advantages of tribunals?


  • Cost reduction: Encourages self-representation
  • Expertise: At least one expert member
  • Speed: Tribunal judges manage cases efficiently
  • Informality: Less intimidating environment
  • Independence: Judges appointed by the Judicial Appointments Commission
• What are the disadvantages of tribunals?


  • Lack of state funding: Some cannot afford to take cases
  • Intimidation: May feel the need for legal representation
  • Delays: Particularly in complex cases
  • Lack of precedent: Can lead to inconsistencies and unpredictability
• What is the first step in the civil court appeals process from Small Claims Court to County Court?


  An appeal is allowed if there is a serious irregularity in proceedings or a mistake of law.
• What is required for an appeal from County Court or High Court to the Court of Appeal?


  Leave to appeal is required if there is a prospect of success or if the previous decision was wrong.
• What is the leapfrog method in civil court appeals?


  It allows an appeal from the High Court to the Supreme Court with a certificate and 'leave' to appeal if all parties consent and it involves a point of law of general public importance.
• What is required for an appeal from the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court?


  Leave to appeal is required from either the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court if it involves a point of law of general public importance.
• What are the different levels of civil court appeals?

  1. Small Claims Court to County Court

  • Appeal for serious irregularity or mistake of law

  1. County Court or High Court to Court of Appeal

  • Leave to appeal for prospect of success or wrong decision

  1. High Court to Supreme Court (Leapfrog method)

  • Certificate & leave to appeal for public importance

  1. Court of Appeal to Supreme Court

  • Leave to appeal for public importance