Appellate courts

Definition

Appellate courts are specialized judicial bodies that review decisions made by lower courts to ensure the law was applied correctly. They do not conduct trials or hear new evidence; instead, they evaluate the proceedings of the original trial for legal errors and can affirm, reverse, or remand cases back to the lower court. Appellate courts play a critical role in interpreting the law and ensuring uniformity in legal standards across jurisdictions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Appellate courts typically consist of panels of judges who review cases rather than a single judge, providing a broader perspective on legal issues.
2. These courts focus on questions of law, meaning they examine whether the correct legal standards were applied, rather than re-evaluating factual evidence.
3. In the federal system, there are 13 Courts of Appeals that handle appeals from federal district courts, as well as some regulatory commissions.
4. Appellate court decisions can set precedents that guide lower courts in future cases, influencing the development of the law.
5. A party dissatisfied with an appellate court's ruling may seek further review from a higher appellate court, such as the Supreme Court, but this is not guaranteed.

Review Questions

• What is the primary function of appellate courts in the judicial system?
  • The primary function of appellate courts is to review decisions made by lower courts to ensure that legal procedures were followed correctly. They do not retry cases or hear new evidence; instead, they focus on whether the law was applied properly during the original trial. This process helps to maintain legal consistency and correctness across various jurisdictions.
• How do appellate courts differ from trial courts in terms of their procedures and focus?
  • Appellate courts differ significantly from trial courts as they do not conduct trials or hear witness testimonies. Instead, they rely on written briefs and records from the original trial to evaluate legal errors. The focus of appellate courts is on questions of law rather than facts, determining whether the correct legal principles were applied in lower court rulings.
• Evaluate the impact of appellate court decisions on the development of legal precedents within the judicial system.
  • Appellate court decisions have a profound impact on the development of legal precedents because they interpret laws and resolve ambiguities that can affect multiple cases. When an appellate court establishes a ruling on a particular issue, that decision serves as guidance for lower courts in similar cases, shaping future interpretations of the law. This process creates a more uniform application of legal standards across jurisdictions and ensures that similar cases are treated consistently, contributing to a cohesive judicial system.

Related terms

Jurisdiction: The authority of a court to hear and decide a case, which can be limited by geographic area or subject matter.

Supreme Court: The highest appellate court in the United States, with the final authority on matters of federal law and interpretation of the Constitution.

Brief: A written document submitted to an appellate court, outlining the arguments and legal basis for why the court should uphold or overturn a lower court's decision.