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Tribunal facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Caractacus-Claudius-Birrell-Fuseli
Andrew Birrell (after Henry Fuseli), Caractacus at the Tribunal of Claudius at Rome (1792)

A tribunal is a special person or group with the power to make important decisions, much like a judge or a court. Their main job is to listen to different sides of a story and then decide what is fair or correct. Tribunals help solve disagreements and make sure rules are followed.

What is a Tribunal?

A tribunal is an official body that can hear evidence and make judgments. It is similar to a court of justice, but sometimes tribunals handle specific types of cases. For example, some tribunals might deal with issues about taxes or special permits. They are set up to be fair and impartial when making decisions.

Where Does the Word "Tribunal" Come From?

The word "tribunal" has a cool history! It comes from the ancient Roman Republic. In Rome, there were important officials called "tribunes." These tribunes were elected by the common people to protect their rights. They had the power to stop laws that were unfair to ordinary citizens.

Tribunes in Ancient Rome

The Roman tribunes often sat on a raised platform called a "tribunal." This platform was where they heard complaints and made their decisions. So, the word "tribunal" came to mean the place where a judge or official sits to make rulings. Over time, it also came to mean the person or group doing the judging.

How Tribunals Work Today

Today, tribunals are used in many countries to handle different kinds of cases. They are often less formal than traditional courts. This can make them easier for people to use. Tribunals help to quickly and fairly resolve disagreements. They ensure that everyone gets a chance to present their side.

Examples of Tribunals

You might find tribunals that deal with specific areas. For instance, there are tribunals for employment issues. These help workers and employers solve problems. Other tribunals might handle issues about housing or immigration. Each tribunal has rules to make sure decisions are fair and just.

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