The Circle is a tribunal authorized by President Tom Zarek and operated on Galactica. The goal of this tribunal is to decide on how to treat or punish people who collaborated with the Cylons during the occupation of New Caprica, some of whom were responsible for the deaths of humans. By the rules set up by The Circle, six votes are required in order to pass judgment when "the question" is raised.
Its initial members include Saul Tigh, Galen Tyrol, Samuel Anders, Seelix, Jean Barolay, and Charlie Connor. After the deaths of the first thirteen people, Anders decides that he no longer wants the burden of deciding people's deaths. His spot is later filled by his wife, Kara Thrace. 57 others were on the list, but the commission ended before anyone else came up.
Three people from Galactica were tried, including James Lyman and Felix Gaeta. The method of execution employed by The Circle is ejecting the person through a launch tube on Galactica. They kill Lyman, and are about to execute Gaeta, when Tyrol confirms that he was his inside source on New Caprica and stops the execution.
The Circle is disbanded when newly instituted President Laura Roslin grants a general pardon for all collaborators (Collaborators).