Hearing process
Overview of the hearing process of the Human Rights Review Tribunal, including how to defend a claim, and what happens at and after a hearing.
If a claim is brought against you, you will receive a copy of the plaintiff's Statement of Claim. You are entitled to defend the claim.
The Human Rights Review Tribunal can always determine its own procedures depending on the case. Information in this section is intended as a general guide.
Representation
You can opt to be represented at a hearing by someone else. It is usually wise to be represented by someone with experience in dealing with complaints of the kind made by or about you, legal proceedings and courts.
How to defend a claim
If you wish to defend the claim you have 30 days to file a Statement of Reply with the Tribunal. Find out more about defending a claim.
Statements of claim and reply
Once the Statement of Claim and the Statement of Reply have been exchanged, the Secretary of the Tribunal will contact you to arrange a time for a directions conference. Find out more about statements of claim and reply.
What happens at the hearing
Once all the preparation is done your case will be heard by the Tribunal. Find out more about hearings.
After the hearing
The Tribunal's decision can be enforced in the District Court if either party fails to comply with the Tribunal's orders or directions.
Appeals
A Tribunal decision may be appealed to the High Court and, with leave, to the Court of Appeal on a question of law. There is also the possibility of appeal to the Supreme Court.
Legal aid
Legal aid is not automatically granted for cases in the Human Rights Review Tribunal. You may be eligible for legal aid if you want a lawyer to represent you and your financial circumstances qualify.
If you want to apply for legal aid, you should talk to your lawyer at your first appointment. If you are eligible, your lawyer will apply on your behalf. Or, you can contact Legal Services to see whether you may be eligible for legal aid.
In some cases, it may be possible for you to be represented by the Director of Human Rights Proceedings. Contact the Office of the Director of Human Rights Proceedings to find out more.
Name suppression
The Tribunal has the power to prevent evidence given at the hearing from being published. It also has the power to prohibit publication of the names of one or more of the parties.
Orders of this kind are only made if there are special circumstances to justify a departure from the usual practice, which is that proceedings in the Tribunal are conducted in public.
If you think that orders to protect confidentiality or to prevent publication of the names of any of the parties in your case are warranted, you should raise the matter by writing to the Secretary of the Tribunal as soon as you can.
