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Why are administrative tribunals often faster and less formal than ordinary courts?
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Administrative law
Cartoon depicting a uniformed Interstate Commerce Commission officer shining a large searchlight on U.S. railroad executive Edward Henry Harriman, who is struggling to carry a large load of packages and toy trains, some labeled “merger.”
Administrative tribunals are often faster and less formal than ordinary courts because they are designed to provide a specialized, efficient method of adjudication. Unlike the rigid procedures of the court system, these tribunals operate with several key advantages:1
- Specialized Expertise: The members of these tribunals possess specific knowledge and experience in the subject matter they oversee, allowing for more informed and direct decision-making.1
- Simplified Rules: Tribunals are not required to follow the strict and complex rules of evidence that prevail in ordinary courts, which significantly streamlines the process.1
- Flexible Guidance: They have the flexibility to incorporate new social standards and moral considerations to guide their decisions, rather than being bound solely by traditional legal precedents.1
By focusing on narrow, specialized areas—such as social insurance or National Health Service disputes—these bodies can resolve conflicts more rapidly and at a lower cost than the formal judicial system. While they operate with greater informality, they are still expected to uphold principles of openness, fairness, and impartiality.12