Understanding the Role of Appellate Courts in the US Legal System

appellate courts

courts that do not try criminal cases but hear appeals of decisions of lower courts

Appellate courts are courts of law that hear appeals from lower courts or tribunals. Their primary function is to review decisions made by lower courts and determine whether there were legal errors in the proceedings or the rulings.

Examples of appellate courts in the United States include the Supreme Court of the United States, which is the highest appellate court in the country and the final court of appeal in the federal court system, and the United States Courts of Appeals, which are intermediate appellate courts that review decisions made by the district courts in their respective circuits.

The process of appealing a case to an appellate court typically involves filing a notice of appeal that outlines the specific issues and rulings being challenged. The appellate court will then order the lower court to provide a transcript of the proceedings and relevant documents, review the case records, and schedule oral arguments. After reviewing the case, the appellate court will issue a written opinion that either affirms, reverses, or remands the lower court’s decision.

In addition to their role in reviewing lower court decisions, appellate courts may also issue binding opinions that establish legal precedent for future cases. These decisions can have significant implications for the interpretation and application of the law in a particular jurisdiction.

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