A major example is that those accused of terrorist-type offences are tried in nonjury courts to avoid any intimidation of jurors. Tribunals Tribunals are a specialised group of judicial bodies, akin to courts of law. They are normally set up under statutory powers which also govern their constitution, functions and procedure. Tribunals often consist of lay people, but they are generally chaired by a legally qualified person. They tend to be less expensive, and less formal, than courts of law.
Some tribunals settle disputes between private citizens.
Industrial tribunals, for example, play a major role in employment disputes. Others, such as those concerned with social security, resolve claims by private citizens against public authorities. A further group, including tax tribunals, decide disputed claims by public authorities against private citizens. Tribunals usually consist of an uneven number of people so that a majority decision can be reached. In many cases there is a right of appeal to a higher tribunal and, usually, to the courts.