The scope of jurisdiction of self-governing appellate tribunals

Abstract

Although this paper has been written on the twenty-fifth anniversary of self-governing appellate tribunals, it is not meant to be a flattering birthday card. Its purpose is rather to identify the most characteristic features underlying self-governing appellate tribunals which, even if their role or functioning is sometimes disputable, nevertheless prove their high quality and merits.

The paper starts with constitutional issues. Although there is no mention of tribunals in the current Constitution, a number of its provisions apply to them. As can be understood from them, appellate tribunals are, beyond doubt, decentralised and self-governing bodies. What is more, an analysis of the constitutional provision regarding challenges to all judicial decisions brings to
light, for the first time, the question of the ‘scope of jurisdiction’ of self-governing appellate tribunals which is the subject of this paper.

The second part of the paper concerns the regime and organisation of appellate tribunals and it tackles, among other things, the delicate relationships between appellate tribunals and the government administration. The next point discussed in the paper concerns the axiological aspects of the functioning of appellate tribunals. The catalogue of values presented in this part constitutes the background underlying the existence and functioning of appellate tribunals. The last part touches upon the practical problems which appellate tribunals encounter.

Concluding, it is stated that appellate tribunals constitute an important value which must be protected and respected. It is also strongly recommended that no drastic changes in their organisation or functioning be made. The extreme voices calling for the liquidation of appellate tribunals should be disallowed, in the same way as attempts to deprive appellate tribunals of their role by abolition of the right of an administrative appeal or their power to issue decisions.