tribunal
A special court or forum established to judge particular matters
Examples
In a meeting
“The dispute will be heard by an international tribunal next quarter.”
Over coffee
“They're bringing the case before a labor tribunal.”
Why this word
court
tribunal often refers to specialized or administrative adjudicative bodies, not always part of the regular court system
panel
tribunal specifically indicates a formal adjudicative body with legal authority, while panel is generic
committee
tribunal has judicial decision-making power, while committee suggests advisory or administrative functions
Usage tip
Use for specialized judicial bodies handling specific types of cases. Often sounds more formal than 'court.'
Etymology
Latin 'tribunus' (official) from 'tribus' (tribe) — seat of judgment
Get a new word every morning
One precise word per day. Under 60 seconds to read. Free forever.
Related words
enjoin
To legally prohibit or order someone to do or not do something
proscribe
To officially forbid or condemn something
severability
The legal principle that if one part of a contract is invalid, the rest remains enforceable
quorum
The minimum number of members required to be present for valid proceedings
recuse
To remove oneself from a decision due to conflict of interest or bias
culpable
Deserving blame or held responsible for wrongdoing