How does appellate jurisdiction function?

Appellate jurisdiction functions primarily as a mechanism for reviewing decisions made by lower courts, specifically to ensure that the trial process adhered to legal standards and that the rulings were made correctly based on the facts and law. When a party believes that an error occurred during their trial—such as misapplication of the law, improper procedure, or evidentiary issues—appellate jurisdiction gives them the opportunity to appeal the trial court's decision to a higher court.

In appellate courts, the focus is not on re-examining the facts of the case or holding new trials, but rather on determining if the law was correctly interpreted and applied. This ensures consistency in judicial decisions and helps uphold the rule of law by providing a system of checks and balances over trial courts. The role of appellate jurisdiction, therefore, is critical in maintaining the integrity of the legal process by correcting errors and clarifying legal principles as needed.