Government bodies

European Judicial Atlas in Civil Matters

The European Judicial Atlas in Civil Matters is an EU website providing information for those involved in cross-border litigation in Europe. The site includes contact details for courts in EU member states and guidance relating to the service of documents, taking of evidence and the recognition and enforcement of judgments. There is a collection of forms that can be completed online. Although the site is concerned with civil and commercial litigation, there is also a link to information about compensation for victims of crime.

Competition Tribunal South Africa

Website of the South African Competition Tribunal an independent body that adjudicates on competition matters such as restrictive practices, abuse of dominance and mergers. The Tribunal also hears appeals against decisions taken by the Competition Commission. The site includes a copy of the Competition Act and related legislation, a copy of the Tribunal rules and information about the functions and procedures of the Tribunal. Decisions of the Tribunal and of the Competition Appeal Court are available on the site in full-text along with selected decisions of the High Court.

Traffic Penalty Tribunal

Website of the Traffic Penalty Tribunal for England and Wales an independent tribunal which hears appeals brought by motorists who have been issued with parking penalties. The site provides information on the adjudication process and the steps involved in challenging a Penalty Charge Notice and the removal or clamping of a vehicle. There are examples of Adjudicators' decisions in appeals grouped by parking regulation. These are intended to show the sort of appeals that are likely to be successful. The site also has links to relevant legislation and a glossary of terms.

First-tier Tribunal (Asylum Support)

Website of the First-tier Tribunal (Asylum Support), the body which hears appeals from asylum seekers who have had support withdrawn by the UK Border Agency. The site has information about making an appeal, what happens at a hearing and a downloadable application form. Reason Statements (decisions) of the Adjudicators are available in full-text on the site and can be searched by date, adjudicator, appeal number or keyword. Annual reports and business plans are available on the site in PDF and there are links to related rules and legislation.

London Tribunals

London Tribunals (formerly the Parking and Traffic Appeals Service, or PATAS) is an independent adjudication service hearing appeals against penalties enforced by London councils and Transport for London regarding parking, bus lane regulations and congestion charging. The site provides information about the grounds for appeal and appeals procedure, daily case lists and searchable databases of key decisions.

Scottish Land Court

The Scottish Land Court is based in Edinburgh and deals with farming and agricultural tenancy disputes. The site provides historical information about the court and links to legislation establishing the court's jurisdiction. There is information on making an application to the court and the appropriate forms are available to download. Details of hearings, court fees and rules and practice notices are also given.

Scottish Law Commission

Website of the Scottish Law Commission whose role is to "recommend reforms to improve, simplify and update the law of Scotland". The site has profiles of the Commissioners, details of the Commission's work and current law reform projects. Details of discussion papers, reports and consultation papers produced by the Commission from 1966 to the present are given on the site with the more recent documents made available in full-text. There is a site search engine and a page of links to other sites concerned with law reform.

Pensions Ombudsman

The Pensions Ombudsman investigates and decides complaints and disputes relating to the running of pension schemes in the UK. The site provides information on who can bring a complaint, the sort of pension schemes included and time limits for bringing complaints. Annual reports, application forms and guidance notes can be downloaded from the site and details of related bodies are also included. Determinations of the Ombudsman are available in full back to 2001 and can be searched by keyword or date.

Adjudicator's Office

The Adjudicator's Office investigates complaints about HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), the Valuation Office Agency and the Insolvency Service. The website has examples of the sort of complaints that are investigated and a selection of FAQs about the Office. Annual reports and guidance for people making complaints are available, in PDF format, along with an interactive guide on how to complain.

Valuation Tribunal for Wales

Website of the Valuation Tribunal for Wales an independent organisation that deals with appeals about Non-Domestic Rates and Council Tax in Wales. The site has a selection of FAQs providing background information about the role and functions of the Tribunal, how to prepare a case, attending the hearing and making an appeal. A link is given to an external site providing access to the Tribunal’s decisions.

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