Appellate Court
An appellate court reviews decisions made by a lower court or another tribunal for legal or other reviewable error. Appellate courts usually examine the record and arguments rather than conduct a new trial. Depending on the law and standard of review, they may affirm, reverse, vacate, or remand a decision.
An appellate court reviews decisions made by a lower court or another tribunal for legal or other reviewable error. Appellate courts usually examine the record and arguments rather than conduct a new trial. Depending on the law and standard of review, they may affirm, reverse, vacate, or remand a decision.
Example: In Kelo v. City of New London (2005), the Supreme Court reviewed lower-court decisions concerning the city’s use of eminent domain for an economic-development plan.
Common misconception: An appellate court automatically retries the case from the beginning. Appellate review generally focuses on the record, legal issues, and the applicable standard of review.
Sources: https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/court-role-and-structure/about-us-courts-appeals; https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USREPORTS-545/pdf/USREPORTS-545-469.pdf