What is the function of U.S. Courts of Appeals?

The U.S. Courts of Appeals primarily function to review decisions made by lower district courts. This review process is essential in the judicial system as it ensures that legal proceedings at the district court level are consistent with the law and legal standards. When a party in a case believes that a district court made an error in its ruling, they can appeal to the appropriate Court of Appeals. These appellate courts do not conduct new trials or hear new evidence; instead, they evaluate the record of the lower court's proceedings and determine whether legal errors occurred that warrant a change in the decision.

Their role in the judicial branch is critical as it provides a mechanism for oversight and uniformity in the application of federal law across different jurisdictions. This appellate review helps to maintain the rule of law and protect the rights of individuals by ensuring that legal interpretations and applications are correct and fair.

The other choices do not accurately represent the function of the U.S. Courts of Appeals. Creating new federal laws is the responsibility of Congress, not the courts. Electing judges to lower courts is typically a function of the legislative and executive branches, depending on the state or federal level. Handling all federal criminal cases is also not correct, as the district courts are the ones that first hear these cases,