What does "tribunal" mean?

1. (special court) a special court or committee that makes official decisions about a specific legal problem. 2. (seat of a judge) the seat or bench where a judge or group of judges sits.

How do you use "tribunal"?

Often used with 'independent' or 'administrative'; frequently takes the preposition 'on' or 'for' regarding its subject matter. Primarily found in historical or highly formal legal literature.

tribunal

US //tɹəbˈjunəɫ// UK //tɹaɪbjˈuːnəl// tri·bunal

1 special court (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal Law

a special court or committee that makes official decisions about a specific legal problem.

a body established to settle disputes or adjudicate on specific matters, often administrative or employment-related, rather than general criminal cases.

Example

The employment tribunal decided that the company had treated the worker unfairly.

Example

The international tribunal was convened to investigate alleged war crimes and ensure that those responsible were held accountable under international law.

Usage

Often used with 'independent' or 'administrative'; frequently takes the preposition 'on' or 'for' regarding its subject matter.

Teacher's tip

In British English, this often refers to specific bodies like the 'Employment Tribunal', whereas in general English it can sound more formal or international than a standard 'court'.
2 seat of a judge (n.)
C2 Proficiency Literary Archaic Law

the seat or bench where a judge or group of judges sits.

the seat or bench occupied by a judge or magistrate; by extension, the court itself.

Example

The judge looked down from the tribunal at the lawyers below.

Example

The magistrate ascended the tribunal with a gravity that silenced the restless gallery.

Usage

Primarily found in historical or highly formal legal literature.
- bench
- dais

Origin

PIE word *tréyes From Old French tribunal, from Latin tribūnal (“tribunal”), from tribus (“tribe”).