Tribunals system
Tribunals are a central part of the Scottish justice system. They protect people's rights and let people challenge decisions that affect them. Tribunals tend to be less formal and easier to access than the courts.
Some tribunals deal with matters that are reserved to the UK Parliament, like employment and immigration. Other tribunals deal with matters that are devolved to the Scottish Parliament, such as mental health and housing.
The Scottish Tribunals are independent of the Scottish Government. Specialist panels deal with these cases and others including:
- the compulsory care and treatment of people with mental health disorders
- disputes between tenants and landlords
- disputes involving land and property
- appeals about devolved benefits
- cases about children and young people with additional support needs
Tribunal reform
The Tribunals (Scotland) Act 2014 created a simpler legal framework for devolved tribunals in Scotland. It brought existing tribunals together to reduce complexity. The Act created two new tribunals: the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland and the Upper Tribunal for Scotland.
The First-tier Tribunal for Scotland is organised into subject specific chambers including the:
- Tax Chamber
- Social Security Chamber
- Local Taxation Chamber
- Housing and Property Chamber
- Health and Education Chamber
- General Regulatory Chamber
Work is ongoing to bring more devolved tribunals into the Scottish Tribunals structure. New appeal routes will continue to be added as needed.
The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service provides administrative support for the Scottish Tribunals. It's entirely independent from the Scottish Government.
Other tribunals it administers include: