Legal Definitions - poor man's court

Definition: A non-judicial body that has the authority to make a binding decision, such as an arbitral panel or workers' compensation review board. It is also known as Rusticum Forum.

Example: In some countries, there are community-based dispute resolution mechanisms that are considered as poor man's court. These mechanisms are often used by people who cannot afford to go to a formal court or who prefer a more informal process. For instance, in rural areas of India, Panchayats are used to resolve disputes related to land, property, and family matters.

Explanation: The example illustrates how a non-judicial body, such as Panchayats, can act as a poor man's court. These bodies are often composed of community members who are respected and trusted by the people. They provide a forum for resolving disputes in a cost-effective and efficient manner. The poor man's court is an alternative to the formal court system, which can be expensive and time-consuming.