The primary function of appellate courts is to

The primary function of appellate courts is to

• A. Review lower court decisions
• B. Conduct new trials
• C. Rule on constitutional amendments
• D. Impose penalties

Answer: (A)

Appellate courts exist to review the decisions of lower courts to ensure the law was applied correctly. They primarily check for legal errors, misapplication of statutes, or procedural mistakes that could have affected the outcome. They don’t reweigh evidence or hear new testimony; the trial record stands, and only issues of law or the appropriateness of the procedure are examined. Their rulings can affirm, reverse, or remand for further proceedings, but they do not impose penalties themselves. They also don’t rule on constitutional amendments as part of their function; amending the Constitution involves a broader legislative process.

Appellate courts exist to review the decisions of lower courts to ensure the law was applied correctly. They primarily check for legal errors, misapplication of statutes, or procedural mistakes that could have affected the outcome. They don’t reweigh evidence or hear new testimony; the trial record stands, and only issues of law or the appropriateness of the procedure are examined. Their rulings can affirm, reverse, or remand for further proceedings, but they do not impose penalties themselves. They also don’t rule on constitutional amendments as part of their function; amending the Constitution involves a broader legislative process.