Appellate court

Definition

An appellate court is a higher court that reviews the decisions made by lower courts to determine if legal errors occurred that could affect the outcome of the case. It does not conduct new trials but evaluates the records from previous trials, focusing on questions of law rather than facts. This process is essential for ensuring the correct application of law and maintaining fairness within the judicial system.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Appellate courts do not re-examine evidence or witness testimonies; instead, they focus on whether the law was applied correctly in the trial court.
2. An appellate court can affirm, reverse, or modify the decision of the lower court, and in some cases, may send the case back for further proceedings.
3. Decisions made by appellate courts can set important precedents that guide future cases and influence lower courts.
4. Most appellate courts consist of panels of judges who collectively review the case and provide a majority opinion.
5. The right to appeal is typically granted by statute or constitution, but not all cases are eligible for appeal; some may require permission from the appellate court.

Review Questions

• How do appellate courts differ from trial courts in terms of their function and focus?
  • Appellate courts differ from trial courts primarily in their function; while trial courts are responsible for examining evidence, hearing witness testimony, and making determinations of fact, appellate courts review the decisions made by trial courts to ensure that legal standards were met. Appellate courts focus specifically on questions of law rather than factual disputes, which means they evaluate whether any errors were made that could have impacted the outcome of the case.
• What role do appellate courts play in establishing legal precedents, and why is this important in the judicial system?
  • Appellate courts play a crucial role in establishing legal precedents because their rulings can create binding interpretations of law that must be followed by lower courts. This is important as it ensures consistency and predictability within the legal system, allowing individuals and lawyers to understand how laws are likely to be applied in future cases. When an appellate court sets a precedent, it helps shape the development of law and reinforces the principle of equality before the law.
• Evaluate how the appellate court system contributes to the overall fairness and integrity of the legal process.
  • The appellate court system contributes significantly to the fairness and integrity of the legal process by providing a mechanism for correcting errors that may occur in trial courts. This serves as a check on judicial decisions and ensures that individuals have a means to challenge potentially unjust rulings. Additionally, by establishing legal precedents through their decisions, appellate courts promote uniformity in how laws are applied, which fosters public confidence in the legal system. Overall, this layered approach enhances accountability within the judiciary and safeguards against arbitrary decision-making.

Related terms

Jurisdiction:

The authority granted to a court to hear and decide cases within a specific geographic area or over particular types of legal cases.

Precedent:

A legal decision or form of case law that serves as an authoritative rule or pattern for future cases with similar circumstances.

Writ of Certiorari: An order by a higher court to a lower court to send up the record of a case for review, typically used by the U.S. Supreme Court to decide whether to hear a case.