tribunal — meaning in English: court

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Banque

tribunal

Alain

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garder

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formal common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 'tribunal' in formal legal contexts, such as discussing court cases or judicial decisions. For instance, someone might say, 'Le tribunal a rendu sa décision' (The court has made its decision) when referring to the outcome of a trial during conversations about legal proceedings.

Synonyms & nuances

'Tribunal' is often used interchangeably with 'cour' (court), but it specifically refers to a panel of judges or a judicial tribunal that resolves disputes. While 'cour' is a broader term that can refer to any court of law, 'tribunal' emphasizes the collective judgment aspect, making it suitable for discussions involving multiple judges or specialized courts.

Culture

The word 'tribunal' comes from the Latin 'tribunal', referring to a raised platform for judges in ancient Rome. In France, the term is closely associated with the judicial system and reflects the country’s long-standing legal traditions, which were profoundly influenced by Roman law. Interestingly, many French courts still retain the name 'tribunal' to denote various levels of jurisdiction.

FAQ

Q.What is the difference between 'tribunal' and 'cour' in French?

'Tribunal' refers to a court with a panel of judges, often dealing with specific legal matters, while 'cour' is a more general term for any court. In practical terms, you would use 'tribunal' when discussing judicial bodies like the Tribunal de Grande Instance (High Court) or other specialized tribunals.

Q.How do you pronounce 'tribunal' in French?

'Tribunal' is pronounced as /tʁi.by.nal/. The emphasis is on the second syllable, and the 'r' is pronounced in a guttural manner typical of the French language.

Q.Is 'tribunal' used in everyday conversation?

While 'tribunal' is not part of everyday casual conversation, it is commonly used in discussions about legal matters, court cases, or formal settings. If you're discussing something related to the law with someone, it's appropriate to use 'tribunal' to refer to the court.

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