What authority does an appellate court have?

An appellate court primarily has the authority to review decisions made by lower courts. This process involves examining the application of law in the cases that have already been tried to ensure that the judicial process was followed correctly and that proper legal standards were applied. The appellate court does not conduct trials, as it does not have jurisdiction over factual disputes. Instead, it reviews the record of the lower court proceedings, considers the arguments presented by attorneys, and makes determinations on legal issues, potentially leading to the affirmation, reversal, or modification of the lower court’s ruling. This is essential for maintaining uniformity and consistency in the law.

The appellate court does not create new laws nor does it oversee the activities of state courts directly. Its role is confined to judging whether the law was applied correctly based on the evidence and arguments presented. This ensures that legal interpretations are consistent across cases and helps to develop the body of case law that guides future decisions.