Tribunals are specialist courts that make decisions on a wide range of issues. They hear evidence from witnesses and decide cases. In some cases, tribunals can issue fines or other penalties.
Tribunals are often more informal than other courts. Many people come to a tribunal without a lawyer. Because of this, tribunal judges help guide people through the process, especially those who do not have legal training.
A tribunal judge may hear a case alone or as part of a panel. Panels can include non-legal members who have relevant knowledge or experience in a particular area.
For example, in a Disability Living Allowance case, the panel might include:
- a judge
- a medically qualified member (such as a GP or consultant)
- a member with experience of disability issues (such as a social worker or occupational therapist)
The structure of tribunals
There are two main levels in the UK tribunal system:
- the First-tier Tribunal
- the Upper Tribunal
Each level is divided into chambers (or specialist areas):
- the First-tier Tribunal has seven chambers
- the Upper Tribunal has four chambers
Most tribunals cover England and Wales, but some also cover Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Some tribunals sit outside this structure, such as the Employment Tribunal for England and Wales.
Find out more about the the tribunals system.