Appellate courts, also known as appeals courts, are judicial bodies with the authority to review and revise the decisions of lower courts. They play a critical role in ensuring that law is applied consistently and fairly.
Authority and Function of Appellate Courts
Definition and Role
Appellate courts primarily evaluate whether the law was applied correctly in the original trial (lower court). They do not typically conduct a whole new trial or re-evaluate evidence but rather consider whether procedural or legal errors were made that could affect the case outcome.
Common Appellate Courts
- U.S. Court of Appeals: These intermediate appellate courts review decisions of federal district (trial) courts.
- U.S. Supreme Court: The highest appellate court in the United States, which has the final say in interpreting the Constitution and federal law.
Historical Context
Evolution
The concept of appellate courts dates back to English common law and has evolved over centuries to become a fundamental part of many legal systems worldwide. In the United States, the judiciary Act of 1789 established the federal court system, which included provisions for appellate jurisdiction.
Types of Appellate Courts
Intermediate Appellate Courts
These are appellate courts that exist at a level between the trial courts and the highest appellate courts. In the U.S., these include the various Circuit Courts of Appeals.
Highest Appellate Courts
Supreme Courts or their equivalents are the highest appellate bodies in many jurisdictions. In the U.S., the Supreme Court is the ultimate appellate court, whose decisions can set nationwide precedents.
Special Considerations
Jurisdiction
Appellate jurisdiction refers to the power of an appellate court to hear and decide on appeals. Jurisdictional rules often define which cases an appellate court can hear.
Standards of Review
Appellate courts use specific standards to review cases, including:
- De Novo: Fresh, comprehensive review of legal issues without deference to the lower court’s conclusions.
- Abuse of Discretion: Assessing whether a lower court’s decision was reasonable or arbitrary.
- Clear Error: Reviewing factual findings to ensure they are not plainly wrong.
Examples
Landmark Cases Reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court
- Brown v. Board of Education (1954): A case where the Supreme Court declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students unconstitutional.
- Roe v. Wade (1973): A judicial precedent that affirmed women’s rights to have an abortion under the United States Constitution.
Applicability
Use in Legal System
Appellate courts are used to resolve disputes regarding the correct application of the law. They ensure the judiciary maintains quality and uniformity in legal rulings, thus reaffirming public confidence in the legal system.
Comparison with Trial Courts
Key Differences
- Trial Courts: Initial venue for cases, responsible for fact-finding and application of law.
- Appellate Courts: Review trial court decisions, focus on whether the law was correctly applied and procedural rules were followed.
Related Terms with Definitions
- Certiorari: Writ by which a higher court reviews a decision of a lower court.
- En Banc: An appeal in which all the judges of a court hear and decide a case, rather than a panel of them.
- Remand: To send a case back to a lower court for further action.
FAQs
What types of decisions can an appellate court review?
How does an appeal proceed?
What happens if the appellate court finds an error?
References
- Federal Judicial Center. “U.S. Courts of Appeals.”
- Supreme Court of the United States Official Website.
Summary
An appellate court, or appeals court, is pivotal in the justice system for reviewing lower court decisions, ensuring legal consistency, and supervising judicial processes. These courts have unique standards of review and play a critical role in upholding the rule of law.
