What is an appellate court responsible for?

An appellate court serves a critical function within the judicial system by reviewing decisions made by lower courts. This review process is essential for ensuring that legal standards and procedures were correctly applied in the original proceedings. Appellate courts do not retry cases; instead, they examine the record of the lower court’s proceedings to determine if there were any errors in the application of the law, whether procedural or substantive.

The role of an appellate court also allows for the clarification and development of the law, as their rulings can set precedents that influence future cases. This function is especially important in maintaining consistency and fairness within the legal system, as it provides a mechanism for correction and guidance regarding legal interpretations.

In contrast, creating new laws based on public opinion falls outside the purview of an appellate court, as does enforcing existing laws at the state level, which is typically handled by executive agencies and trial courts. Additionally, conducting jury trials in civil cases is also not the responsibility of appellate courts, which do not engage in fact-finding or the assessment of evidence as trial courts do. The primary purpose of an appellate court is to ensure that justice is served by evaluating the legal foundations of prior decisions.