What are administrative and other tribunals?

• A. Bodies that review specific administrative decisions of government agencies.
• B. High courts that create binding law for all cases.
• C. Private arbitration panels for commercial disputes only.
• D. Bodies that preside over jury trials in criminal cases.

Answer: (A)

Administrative and other tribunals are specialized, quasi-judicial bodies set up to review decisions made by government agencies. They handle disputes arising from government actions—such as welfare or social security determinations, visa or immigration decisions, licensing, and regulatory rulings—often with less formality and more speed than a full court process. The decisions they issue are binding for the parties involved, and they can usually be appealed on points of law or jurisdiction to a higher court. They differ from high courts, which create binding law for all cases, from private arbitration panels that deal with private disputes, and from courts that preside over jury trials in criminal cases.