Appellate jurisdiction

Definition

Appellate jurisdiction refers to the authority of a court to review and revise the decisions made by lower courts. This power is essential for ensuring that legal errors made in lower courts can be corrected, providing a mechanism for checks and balances within the judicial system. Appellate jurisdiction is crucial in understanding the Supreme Court's role as it allows the Court to interpret laws and the Constitution, often shaping legal precedents that affect future cases.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Supreme Court primarily has appellate jurisdiction, meaning it reviews decisions from lower federal and state courts rather than hearing new cases.
2. Appellate jurisdiction is established by federal law and defined by the U.S. Constitution, specifically in Article III.
3. Not all cases can be appealed; only those that involve significant legal questions or constitutional issues typically make it to appellate courts.
4. The Supreme Court receives thousands of petitions for review each term but only hears about 70-80 cases, illustrating its selective process.
5. Cases heard under appellate jurisdiction can lead to landmark rulings that redefine laws and impact societal norms across the United States.

Review Questions

• How does appellate jurisdiction play a role in the system of checks and balances within the U.S. judiciary?
  • Appellate jurisdiction allows higher courts, like the Supreme Court, to oversee and correct decisions made by lower courts. This oversight ensures that legal errors can be identified and rectified, thereby maintaining fairness in judicial proceedings. By having the authority to review lower court rulings, appellate courts uphold constitutional standards and protect individual rights, reinforcing the system of checks and balances integral to American democracy.
• Discuss how the Supreme Court’s exercise of appellate jurisdiction impacts legal precedents in the United States.
  • When the Supreme Court exercises its appellate jurisdiction, it has the power to establish binding legal precedents that all lower courts must follow. This means that decisions made by the Supreme Court can set standards for how laws are interpreted and enforced across the country. As such, significant rulings often reshape legal interpretations and can influence future legislation, reflecting the dynamic nature of law in response to societal changes.
• Evaluate the implications of limited appellate jurisdiction for access to justice in the American legal system.
  • Limited appellate jurisdiction can create barriers to access for individuals seeking justice. Since not all cases are eligible for appeal, those with legitimate grievances may find themselves unable to seek redress if their issues do not meet specific criteria or are deemed unworthy by higher courts. This selective nature may disproportionately affect marginalized groups who may already face challenges within the judicial system, raising concerns about fairness and equal protection under the law.

Related terms

Original jurisdiction: The authority of a court to hear a case for the first time, rather than on appeal from a lower court.

Judicial review: The power of courts to examine the actions of legislative and executive branches and determine their constitutionality.

Certiorari: A writ issued by a higher court to review the decision of a lower court, often used by the Supreme Court to select cases for appellate review.