What characterizes a tribunal?

A tribunal is characterized by being an informal court where cases can be heard without the strict requirement for parties to have legal representation or qualifications. Tribunals are designed to provide a more accessible and user-friendly environment, often dealing with specific areas of law such as employment, immigration, and social security. This approach allows individuals to present their cases directly, making the legal process more approachable for those who may not have extensive legal knowledge.

The other options do not accurately depict the nature of tribunals. A tribunal is not solely a court with legally qualified judges, does not function as a higher court reviewing decisions from lower courts, and is not restricted to handling only criminal cases. Instead, tribunals serve a broad range of civil disputes, distinguishing them from more formal court settings where strict legal qualifications are typically required.