When a court or tribunal makes a decision, it is considered to be a final determination of the matter before it, subject to any applicable appeal processes. The court or tribunal is said to have exhausted its jurisdiction and cannot reopen or reconsider the case unless expressly authorized by law. Any subsequent attempts to modify, alter, or revoke the decision are generally considered to be void or ineffective.
The doctrine of functus officio prevents courts and tribunals from revisiting their own decisions and ensures that judicial processes are not unnecessarily prolonged or subject to perpetual reconsideration. It also promotes judicial efficiency and finality, allowing parties to rely on and act upon court orders and decisions with certainty.
However, there may be certain circumstances where a court or tribunal may be empowered to revisit its own decision. For example, a court may reconsider its judgment if there is a material error on the face of the record or if there has been fraud or misrepresentation. Similarly, a tribunal may have the authority to review and modify its own decisions in limited situations, as prescribed by the relevant statutory framework or procedural rules.
In summary, the principle of functus officio in English law courts emphasizes the finality of judicial decisions and prevents courts and tribunals from revisiting or altering their decisions unless expressly authorized by law. It ensures certainty, efficiency, and fairness in the legal system.