Do you ever wonder what courts hear appeals from trial courts? It’s called an appellate court. This type of court is a specialized court that reviews the decisions of trial courts, usually determined by a jury. The appellate court is also called a court of appeals.
The Rationale Behind an Appellate Court
The rationale for having an appellate court is that it offers people an avenue for challenging unfavorable decisions of trial courts. A person who believes that the trial court’s factual conclusion was incorrect or that the applicable law was misconstrued may seek to bring the case before the appellate court and argue for a reversal of the trial court’s decision.
When an appellate court considers an appeal, the court’s role is limited. It looks at the trial court’s decision to determine if the facts were properly applied to the law, not whether the trial court’s decision was the right decision. The court does not retry or rehear the evidence. Rather, it looks to ensure that the trial court reached the proper conclusion based on the facts and the applicable law.
U.S. Appellate Courts Explained
In the United States, there are two levels of appellate courts. The first level is the federal court of appeals. This court has 94 judicial circuits and considers appeals from the district courts of the United States. The U.S. Supreme Court represents the second level of appeals. This court reviews appeals from the federal court of appeals, state courts, and special courts. The Supreme Court also hears appeals from cases involving U.S. Constitution issues.
In addition to federal courts of appeal, there are state appellate courts. Each state has its own system of state courts, and an appellate court is usually part of this system. The appellate court can review the decisions of the state’s trial court. The appeal may be heard by either a jury or a panel of one or more judges.
The Advantages of an Appellate Court
Appellate courts offer numerous advantages to litigants. By having an independent, specialized court review the trial court’s factual and legal conclusions, the appellate court helps to ensure fairness and accuracy in the legal system. Appellate courts also help conserve judicial resources by discouraging repeated appeals of the same issue. If a person is not satisfied with a decision of the appellate court, they can still appeal to the Supreme Court.
If you’re considering appealing a court decision, it’s important to understand the role of appellate courts in the judicial system. While the appellate court might review and reverse the lower court ruling, it is important to note that not every appeal results in a successful outcome. Appellate courts serve an important role in the judicial system by ensuring that lower court’s decisions are legally and factually sound.