Hearings
An application to the Tribunal will be decided by an individual tribunal panel, almost always at a hearing. That panel will consist of a legal member, a medical member and a general member. You can find the names of those appointed in each category here. A clerk will also be present at the hearing. Occasionally, it is possible for members to decide an application on the papers only. This is known as a rule 58 tribunal. Rule 58 will not be used if the patient has requested a hearing.
What happens
The purpose of the hearing is to hear and decide the application. There are set procedures that must be followed but we try to create the best possible chance for the patient to participate in their hearing.
We have prepared guidance on processes before, during and after the hearing. These are available here.
Patient choice
Patient leaflet: What type of hearing would I prefer?
We are keen to encourage patients to choose the type of hearing they have – in person, video or telephone conference – and, where possible, to hold that type of hearing.
To help patients with this choice, the Tribunal has produced a leaflet outlining the differences between these three types of hearing, and a hearing preference form to be completed by the applicant.
