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Trial and Appeal (A distinct hierarchy of courts and the rules they make)
QUERY: How does trial differ from appeal? What does the availability of appeal do to our system of law?
Although we are given one or more chances to prevail in a case, the
stakes change, that is, the nature of the task in winning an appeal is very
different than that required in a trial. In many states, a litigant has an automatic
right to appeal, usually to a court of appeals and then another chance before
a supreme court. The ability to question the decision of the trial court judge,
including numerous rulings taken during the procedure, has a powerful effect
on the nature of our legal system and our perception of it. Imagine a system
in which the legal proceedings are governed by one judge, whose decision is
final. How is our system different?
To submit an answer to a QUERY
If you would like to view RealMedia videos with Dr Pyle explaining basic features of Trial and Appeal, click one of the following:
Stare Decisis