Appellate courts, often referred to as courts of appeals, play a crucial role in the American judicial system. These courts are responsible for reviewing decisions made by trial courts or other lower courts, ensuring that the law was applied correctly and that justice is served. This article delves into the structure, workings, and significance of appellate courts, as well as their distinction from supreme courts, illustrated by a recent example.
What Are Appellate Courts?
Appellate courts serve as a review mechanism within the legal system. When individuals or entities such as corporations experience an unfavorable ruling in trial-level courts, they have the option to file an appeal with an appellate court. The appellate court reviews the case, focusing on whether the lower court's judgment was made in accordance with the law. If the appellate court finds merit in the appeal, it has the authority to reverse or modify the lower court's ruling.
Key Features of Appellate Courts:
- Review Process: Unlike trial courts, appellate courts do not conduct new trials, hear witness testimonies, or utilize juries. Instead, they review the records and evidence from the original trial to assess legal interpretations and procedures.
- Composition: Appellate courts are comprised of panels of judges (often referred to as justices) who discuss and decide on cases together. This collegial approach differs significantly from trial courts, where a judge may sit alone or with a jury.
Structure of Appellate Courts
In the United States, there are 13 federal appellate courts, commonly known as the U.S. Courts of Appeals. Among these, there are 12 regional circuits that handle cases from a specific geographic area, plus one specialty court known as the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, which deals with specific types of appeals, such as patent law.
At the state level, the appellate court structure varies. Many states have their own appellate systems, which often include intermediate appellate courts that help lighten the caseloads of state supreme courts. In fact, 41 of the 50 states have established at least one intermediate appellate court to handle appeals that do not require direct review by the state's highest court.
The Function and Importance of Appellate Courts
The primary role of appellate courts is to ensure that the legal process is adhered to and that individuals have recourse to challenge potential judicial errors made in lower courts. This oversight function is essential for maintaining fairness and upholding the rule of law in the justice system.
When a public corporation receives a negative ruling, for example, its stock price may decline significantly based on investor reactions. An appellate court's successful reversal of that ruling may restore investor confidence, as seen in the instance involving Uber Technologies Inc. and Lyft Inc. during a legal challenge regarding the classification of gig workers in California.
Appellate Courts vs. Supreme Courts
While appellate courts and supreme courts both review lower court decisions, there are distinct differences between the two:
- Hierarchy: The U.S. Supreme Court is the highest legal authority in the country, with the ability to review cases from both federal and state appellate courts. It primarily hears cases of significant legal or constitutional importance.
- Legal Precedence: Decisions made by supreme courts set binding precedents that lower courts are required to follow, whereas appellate court rulings may not have the same level of authority unless reviewed by the supreme court.
Example of an Appellate Court Ruling
To illustrate the workings of appellate courts, we consider a prominent recent case involving Uber and Lyft. In the summer of 2020, their stocks saw a temporary rise when an appellate court put a hold on a California law that aimed to reclassify many gig workers, including ride-share drivers, as employees rather than independent contractors. The appellate court's delay allowed time for a comprehensive review of the law's constitutionality.
Later, the California First District Court of Appeals ruled in October 2020 that the law was indeed enforceable, fundamentally altering the operational status of ride-hailing companies in California. Uber and Lyft sought further appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, which ultimately declined to review the case, leaving the appellate court's decision intact. The U.K. Supreme Court reached a similar conclusion in its proceedings.
Conclusion
Appellate courts are integral to the judicial system, providing a critical check on lower court decisions. Their function to ensure accountability and adherence to the law safeguards the rights of individuals and entities alike. Understanding how appellate courts operate enhances the overall comprehension of the U.S. legal system and the various avenues through which justice can be pursued.