DocketXDocketX / Glossary / appellate court
Appellate Court
An appellate court is a higher court that reviews decisions made by a trial court to check for legal errors, not to re-decide the facts of your case.
What it actually is
After a trial court issues a final judgment, the losing party may ask an appellate court to review the case. This court examines the trial record and legal arguments to determine if the trial judge made a mistake in applying the law or procedure. It does not hear new evidence or witness testimony.
Why it matters in your case
If you lose at trial, the appellate court is your only chance to challenge legal errors that may have unfairly affected the outcome. However, you cannot simply argue that the jury got the facts wrong; you must show a specific legal mistake occurred.
The common misunderstanding
Many people think an appellate court will re-try the case or hear new evidence, but it only reviews the existing trial record for legal errors. It does not decide who is telling the truth or re-weigh evidence.
Get the actual rule
Definitions are orientation; rules are authority
This page explains the concept. When it matters to your case, read the rule that governs it in your court — we hold Texas, federal and Washington court rules word for word, and every state's official resources are on the state pages. If someone cites a case at you, check that it exists first.
Related
Terms that travel with this one
General explanation, not legal advice, and not specific to any state — procedures and deadlines vary by jurisdiction and court. If you can get a lawyer or free legal aid, do: every real option.