Intermediate appellate courts

Definition

Intermediate appellate courts are judicial bodies that hear appeals from lower trial courts and serve as a layer of review before cases may reach the highest court in the jurisdiction. These courts play a critical role in ensuring the correct application of law by reviewing decisions made by trial courts, providing a check on judicial errors, and contributing to the development of legal precedent within their jurisdiction.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Intermediate appellate courts typically review cases for legal errors rather than re-evaluating evidence or factual determinations made by trial courts.
2. In many jurisdictions, these courts operate with panels of judges, which allows for a collective decision-making process that promotes consistency in the application of the law.
3. Decisions made by intermediate appellate courts can be appealed to the Supreme Court, but these higher courts often have discretion in choosing which cases to hear.
4. The role of intermediate appellate courts is crucial in shaping legal precedent, as their rulings can influence lower courts and future cases within the jurisdiction.
5. Many jurisdictions require parties to exhaust their appeals in intermediate appellate courts before seeking relief from the highest court, underscoring their importance in the legal system.

Review Questions

• How do intermediate appellate courts contribute to the judicial process and ensure fair application of law?
  • Intermediate appellate courts contribute significantly to the judicial process by reviewing decisions made by trial courts to identify and correct legal errors. Their function as a check on lower court rulings helps ensure that laws are applied consistently and fairly across cases. By evaluating appeals, they help maintain the integrity of the legal system and also refine legal precedents that guide future court decisions.
• What is the relationship between intermediate appellate courts and the Supreme Court, particularly regarding case appeals?
  • The relationship between intermediate appellate courts and the Supreme Court is characterized by a hierarchical structure within the judicial system. Cases decided by intermediate appellate courts can typically be further appealed to the Supreme Court, which serves as the final arbiter of legal issues. However, the Supreme Court often exercises discretion over which cases to review, leading to a filtering process that highlights significant legal questions or issues that have broader implications for justice and public policy.
• Evaluate the impact of intermediate appellate court decisions on legal precedent and how this influences lower courts.
  • Intermediate appellate court decisions have a profound impact on legal precedent, as they interpret laws and provide clarity that shapes how lower trial courts adjudicate similar cases. These rulings serve as binding authority within their jurisdiction unless overturned by higher courts. This influence means that lower courts often look to intermediate appellate court decisions for guidance, ensuring a degree of uniformity in legal interpretations across various jurisdictions while also fostering an evolving understanding of legal principles.

Related terms

Supreme Court:

The highest court in a jurisdiction, which has the ultimate authority to interpret the law and its decisions are binding on lower courts.

Trial Court: The first level of court where cases are tried, evidence is presented, and judgments are made.

Judicial Review: The power of courts to evaluate the actions of legislative and executive branches, ensuring they comply with the constitution and legal standards.