An appellate court is a higher court that reviews decisions made by lower courts. It does not hold trials or hear new evidence, but rather examines the legal procedures and issues raised in the lower court case.
Related terms
Lower Court: A lower court is where cases are initially heard and decided. It can include trial courts and specialized courts like district courts or family courts.
Appellate Jurisdiction: This refers to the authority of an appellate court to review and revise decisions made by lower courts.
Precedent: Precedents are past judicial rulings that guide judges in making decisions in similar cases. Appellate courts often establish precedents through their rulings.