un tribunal versus une cour de justice

[alan gould]

is there a difference?  if not, which is used more often?  Tx

[Chantal Savignat]

tribunal = cour de justice when we speak about magistrates and all lawyers who are present for a trial. the two are used equaly.

Le tribunal l'a condamné à verser une amende. = la cour de justice l'a condamné à verser une amende.

Now I am trying to explain, it seems to me that "cour de justice" is more used when it's an important trial (for murder or rap). we don't use "cour de justice" for a little trail with you neighbour for a clash about a tree.  But "tribunal" is used equally for little or important trials.

And tribunal is the building too, the place where trials take place. if you are saying "je vais au tribunal"  the first idea is that you go to the building where trials take place. Except if you precise that you have a problem with someone or with the police, then I would think you go there for a trial.