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An appellate court is a court that reviews decisions and judgments made by lower courts Appellate courts are also known as higher courts, courts of appeals, courts of second instance, or courts of appeal.
Appellate courts review the record and the lower court's decisions. Most appellate courts use a panel of three judges to review the decision. The focus of an appellate court is not to decide guilt or innocence; instead, the court reviews the legal accuracy of the lower court's decision. Appellate courts can decide to affirm, remand, reverse, or modify the lower court's decision.
The purpose of an appellate court is to make sure that each case is decided according to the laws of the jurisdiction. In addition, appellate courts also review cases to ensure that the lower court did not commit errors that affected the outcome of the case.
The five best examples of appellate court decisions are listed below.
1. The Supreme Court ruling which overturned Plessy v. Ferguson, thereby striking down the "separate but equal" doctrine.
2. The Supreme Court ruling which upheld the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, ruling that it was permissible under the Commerce Clause.
3. The Supreme Court ruling which struck down state bans on same-sex marriage.
4. The Supreme Court ruling which validated the use of affirmative action for admissions in higher education institutions.
5. The Supreme Court ruling which held that the death penalty may not be imposed on juveniles.
Each of these cases demonstrates the importance of an appellate court in upholding the law and ensuring that justice is served. By reviewing and ruling on the legality of a decision, appellate courts provide an important check on the system to ensure that lower courts do not violate people’s rights. It is through the appellate court system that landmark legal changes are made.