tribunals

• What are tribunals?

  Specialist courts operating alongside the court system
• How many cases do tribunals handle per year?

  Over 1 million cases
• Why were tribunals created after WW2?

  To enforce people's social rights in the welfare state
• What must individuals do before going to court if they have a tribunal case?

  Exhaust the tribunal procedure first
• What is encouraged for individuals bringing cases to tribunals?

  To bring their cases without legal representation
• What did the case Peach Grey v Sommers 1995 confirm about tribunals?

  Tribunals are inferior to ordinary courts
• What is the typical composition of most tribunals?

  A legally qualified chairperson and 2 lay members
• What must be followed in tribunal proceedings?

  Rules of natural justice
• What are the types of tribunals?

  • Administrative: Disputes between individuals and the State
  • Domestic: Internal disputes within private bodies
  • Employment: Disputes between employees and employers
• What are the advantages of tribunals?

  • Cost-effective: No representation needed
  • Expertise: At least one expert member
  • Independence: Operate independently
  • Informality: Less formal than court
  • Speed: Faster resolution, often in one day
• What are the disadvantages of tribunals?

  • Lack of funding
  • Lack of precedent: Unpredictability
  • Intimidation: Vulnerability without representation
  • Delay: Complexity of cases
• What did the Franks Committee recommend in 1957?

  Tribunals should exemplify openness and fairness
• What act was led by the Franks Committee's recommendations?

  Tribunals and Inquiries Act 1958
• When was the council on tribunals set up?

  In 1958
• What was the focus of the Sir Andrew Leggatt report in 2000?

  Creating a unified tribunal system for users
• What is the biggest use of tribunals?

  Employment disputes
• What types of disputes do administrative tribunals deal with?

  Disputes between individuals and the State
• What is the role of lay members in tribunals?

  They are subject experts, not legally qualified
• How do tribunals differ from traditional courts in terms of formality?

  Tribunals are less formal than court hearings
• What should a party do if they feel intimidated by the tribunal process?

  Seek support or advice before proceeding