What is the official term for a public forum that hears legal cases?

The official term for a public forum that hears legal cases is a court. Courts are established by law to resolve disputes, administer justice, and interpret laws. They have the authority to hear and determine cases involving civil, criminal, and administrative matters. Courts often operate at different levels within a judicial system, such as trial courts, appellate courts, and supreme courts, each serving a specific function in the legal process.

A hearing typically refers to a session where arguments, evidence, or testimonies are presented but may not encompass the full judicial authority of a court. A tribunal usually has a more specialized function, often dealing with specific types of disputes, while a chamber may refer to a part of a court or the space where certain proceedings take place, but does not denote the entire institution. Thus, the term 'court' best encapsulates the formal public forum designated for hearing legal cases.