tribunal
- 01 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“The employment tribunal decided that the company had treated the worker unfairly.”
In context“The international tribunal was convened to investigate alleged war crimes and ensure that those responsible were held accountable under international law.”
UsageOften used with 'independent' or 'administrative'; frequently takes the preposition 'on' or 'for' regarding its subject matter.
Teacher's tipIn 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'.
- 02 C2 Proficiency
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.
Simple“The judge looked down from the tribunal at the lawyers below.”
In context“The magistrate ascended the tribunal with a gravity that silenced the restless gallery.”
UsagePrimarily found in historical or highly formal legal literature.
“A tour of British law from the former supreme court president, featuring real stories from benefits tribunals and the family and criminal courts.”
“A University of Cambridge whistleblower who alleged bullying of female staff inside the university’s Institute of Astronomy has won a tribunal against his employer.”
PIE word *tréyes From Old French tribunal, from Latin tribūnal (“tribunal”), from tribus (“tribe”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.