Tribunal
A court of record for citizens challenging decisions made by government agencies — where every step follows a rule someone wrote down.
Jurisdiction — Case Types Heard
Filing Your Petition
Every proceeding begins with a written petition submitted to the Clerk's Office. The petition names the agency whose decision you are challenging, the specific order or denial at issue, and the relief you are requesting. You have thirty calendar days from the date of the agency decision to file.
Required Documents
First Ten Business Days
Petition received and docketed. Case number assigned.
Clerk reviews petition for completeness and standing.
Respondent agency served with notice of proceeding.
Scheduling Order issued. Hearing date confirmed in writing.
Pre-Hearing Discovery
Between filing and the hearing, both parties exchange the evidence they intend to present. The Scheduling Order sets firm deadlines for document production, witness lists, and expert designations. No evidence withheld during discovery may be introduced at the hearing without leave of the Presiding Officer.
Discovery Calendar
All documents, records, and exhibits must be exchanged.
Names, roles, and expected testimony of all witnesses.
Expert reports and qualifications filed with the Clerk.
Optional written argument summarizing each party's position.
Motions to exclude evidence or witnesses must be filed.
The Hearing
Hearings are conducted in a formal proceeding room. The Presiding Officer sits at the elevated bench at the far end. Petitioner's counsel occupies the left table; the agency's representative sits at the right. Witnesses testify from the stand between the two tables. Proceedings are transcribed by a certified court reporter.
Hearing Room Layout
Deliberation & Ruling
After the hearing closes, the Presiding Officer enters deliberation. Rulings are issued as written decisions containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, and the disposition of the petition. Every ruling is signed, stamped, and docketed — it carries the force of statute and may be appealed to the Superior Court within thirty days of issuance.
Decision Timeline
Presiding Officer reviews hearing transcript and all admitted evidence.
Draft decision prepared. Internal review by supervising officer.
Final ruling signed and stamped. Docketed as official record.
Decision mailed to all parties by certified post. Served electronically.
Appeal window closes if no Superior Court petition is filed.
Official Written Ruling
Each decision is a permanent public record. Rulings establish precedent within the court's jurisdiction and are cited in future proceedings.
The process is mapped.
Your hearing begins with one step.
Identify your case type to reach the specific filing instructions, fee schedule, and deadlines that apply to your dispute. The Clerk's Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Filing fees range from $85 to $350 depending on case type. Fee waivers available for qualified low-income petitioners. Form TR-9 required.