What is the role of the appellate courts in the justice system?

The role of appellate courts in the justice system primarily focuses on the review of lower court decisions. Unlike trial courts, which are responsible for hearing evidence, conducting trials, and determining the facts of a case, appellate courts work to ensure that the law was correctly interpreted and applied in the initial proceedings.

Appellate courts examine the records from the trial court for any legal errors that may have occurred, considering both the application of law and procedural issues. They do not retry cases or hear new evidence; rather, their function is to uphold, reverse, or modify the decisions made by lower courts, thereby maintaining the integrity of the judicial system and ensuring justice is accurately served. By doing so, they also contribute to the development of legal precedents that can influence future cases.