Intermediate appellate courts

Definition

Intermediate appellate courts are judicial bodies that hear appeals from lower trial courts and are situated between the trial courts and the highest appellate courts. These courts serve to review decisions made by trial courts to ensure that the law was correctly interpreted and applied, and they play a crucial role in the hierarchy of the court system by providing a check on trial court rulings.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Intermediate appellate courts primarily focus on legal errors made by trial courts rather than on factual disputes, often reviewing case records and briefs rather than conducting new trials.
2. In many jurisdictions, intermediate appellate courts do not have discretion in hearing cases; they must review all appeals that fall within their jurisdiction.
3. These courts can issue published opinions that set precedents for future cases, impacting how laws are interpreted in their jurisdictions.
4. Decisions made by intermediate appellate courts can often be appealed to the supreme or highest court of the jurisdiction, allowing for further legal review.
5. The structure and number of intermediate appellate courts can vary widely among jurisdictions, with some states having multiple such courts while others may have only one.

Review Questions

• How do intermediate appellate courts contribute to the legal system's checks and balances?
  • Intermediate appellate courts contribute to the legal system's checks and balances by reviewing decisions made by trial courts. They ensure that laws are applied correctly and that justice is served by correcting errors that may have occurred during trial proceedings. This oversight helps maintain fairness in the judicial process and prevents arbitrary decisions from trial judges from going unchecked.
• Discuss the significance of published opinions from intermediate appellate courts and their impact on future legal cases.
  • Published opinions from intermediate appellate courts hold significant importance as they create binding precedents for lower courts within their jurisdiction. These opinions clarify legal interpretations and provide guidance on how laws should be applied in similar cases. The influence of these opinions extends beyond individual cases, shaping legal standards and practices throughout the judicial system.
• Evaluate the role of intermediate appellate courts in balancing access to justice with judicial efficiency in the legal system.
  • Intermediate appellate courts play a crucial role in balancing access to justice with judicial efficiency by systematically addressing appeals from trial court decisions. By providing a structured process for reviewing cases, these courts help ensure that individuals have a means to challenge potentially erroneous decisions while simultaneously managing the flow of cases through the judicial system. This balance promotes both accountability within trial courts and timely resolutions for appellants, ultimately enhancing public confidence in the legal process.

Related terms

Trial Courts: Trial courts are the first level of the court system where cases are initially heard and decided, often involving jury trials or bench trials.

Supreme Court:

The Supreme Court is the highest court in a jurisdiction, with the authority to review decisions made by lower appellate courts, including intermediate appellate courts.

Jurisdiction: Jurisdiction refers to the legal authority of a court to hear and decide cases, which can be limited by geographic area, subject matter, or type of parties involved.