The platform appropriate for a dispute to be heard based on many factors including jurisdiction and venue.
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
forum (noun)1.
a) the marketplace or public place of an ancient Roman city forming the center of judicial and public business
b) a public meeting place for open discussion
c) a medium (as a newspaper or online service) of open discussion or expression of ideas
2.
a judicial body or assembly - court
3.
a) a public meeting or lecture involving audience discussion
b) a program (as on radio or television) involving discussion of a problem usually by several authorities
