attending a tribunal as an observer

Thanks for replies, some very interesting points made, yes as I will probably have to have one (a tribunal) I would like to see how they work, on the other hand if it was me having one, would I want a stranger present listenening to my toilet needs? - good point and very good point that for all they know I could be a 'sun' reporter (the thought of that - how very hideous). I would say to the claimant who I was and why I was there...definitely, and as there are stict security checks wouldn't a 'sun' reporter have to state who he was and why he was there? and if not, why not? And having done this it would only be fair for those in charge to notify the claimant that a 'sun' reporter was present..


I still don't know where on here the beneits and work website I read 'how to go to a tribunal as an observer before you attend your own'....I can't find it again...anybody know where I might have read it? so then I can follow this instruction?

Hi ChattyCathy

It's on page 21 of the ESA appeal guide, in the members' area.

There is another interesting question that this thread has put into my head. As a tribunal is a court of law, is there anything preventing a Sun reporter from attending a tribunal, writing and publishing a full report of the hearing, including the name of the appellant and everything that was said, like they do in criminal courts?

Or could a member of the public post everything he hears on the internet?

As a tribunal is held in a public place I'm not entirely sure what would prevent this.

I should just add that tribunal hearings with members of the public in attendance are extremely rare, please don't have nightmares.

Derek

Although a Tribunal hearing is a 'Court of Law' albeit an informal one, a Tribunal Chairman or Tribunal Judge can rule that no members of the public or anyone else be present except parties to the appeal.

This is normally done either at the request of the appellant, or because there are sensitive issues which may be raised during the appeal.

The final decision lies with the Tribunal Chair or Tribunal Judge.

Anyone not complying with their decision, be it a member of the public or a newspaper etc. could face proceedings for 'contempt of court'

Thanks for pointing out exactly where it was that I must have seen it, I shall take a look, by the way, Derek, I was tickled by your 'please don't have nightmares' comment... )) (can't find a smiley face picture on here) You're a star!!

Hi

Thanks for raising the question on tribunals. Can anyone let me know if I have representation do I need to put anything forward, i.e. answer questions etc, or will my rep do that for me?

Thanks

Pusscat

Hi P,

As it's your appeal, the tribunal will direct any questions it has at you since you know more about your condition than anyone else.

Your representative will be given the opportunity to put a submission before the tribunal panel and raise anything you don't understand.

However, reps are not allowed to reply to any questions put to you, nor to prompt you as to what to say.

Hope this helps.

Good luck.

Jim