What Does It Mean to Appeal a Case?

To appeal a case means to seek a review of a lower court’s decision by a higher court. If a party believes that the decision made by the trial court was incorrect or unjust, they have the right to request a review or appeal of the judgment. The appeal process allows the higher court to examine the legal aspects of the case, including the application of the law and the evidence presented.

Steps in Appealing a Case

Filing the Notice of Appeal: The party wishing to appeal must file a formal notice with the court to inform them of the intent to appeal the decision. This typically must be done within a specific time frame after the judgment.

Preparation of the Record: The trial court record, including transcripts of the trial and exhibits presented, is prepared for review by the appellate court.

Writing and Filing Briefs: Both parties (the appellant and the respondent) submit written arguments, known as briefs, to the appellate court. These briefs outline why the lower court's decision should be overturned or upheld.

Oral Argument: In some cases, the appellate court may schedule oral arguments where both parties can present their arguments in person. However, some appeals may be decided solely based on the written briefs.

Appellate Court Decision: After reviewing the case, the appellate court will issue its decision. The outcomes of an appeal can include:

• Affirmation: The court agrees with the original decision.
• Reversal: The court overturns the original decision.
• Remand: The court sends the case back to the lower court for further proceedings.

Legal Actions and Protections

Seeking Legal Advice: It is often advisable to consult an attorney with experience in appellate law to understand the strengths and weaknesses of an appeal.

Understanding the Standard of Review: The appellate court will typically not re-evaluate the facts but will assess whether the law was correctly applied or if procedural errors were made.

Example

Suppose a person is convicted of theft in a trial court, and they believe the court made an error in interpreting the law. They can appeal the conviction to a higher court (appellate court) by:

• Filing a notice of appeal within the designated period.
• Preparing the trial record and submitting briefs explaining why the decision should be reversed, perhaps citing legal errors or misapplication of the law.
• Presenting oral arguments in front of the appellate court, if permitted.
• Awaiting the appellate court's decision, which could result in the affirmation of the conviction, a reversal of the verdict, or a remand for a new trial.