What is an appeal?

What is an appeal?

• A. A request to obtain a higher court's review of a decision.
• B. A request to seal court records.
• C. A request to modify the facts presented at trial.
• D. A request to file a new lawsuit in the same court.

Answer: (A)

An appeal is a request to a higher court to review the decision of a lower court because you believe there was an error in how the law was applied or in the court’s procedures. It focuses on legal issues and the application of law to the facts, not on relitigating the case with new evidence. The appellate court looks at the trial record to determine if a reversible error occurred and can affirm, reverse, or remand the decision for a new trial or other relief. This is different from seeking to seal court records, which is handled by a motion to seal; from trying to modify the facts at trial, which is generally addressed by post-trial motions or a new trial; and from filing a new lawsuit, which starts a fresh case in the court.

An appeal is a request to a higher court to review the decision of a lower court because you believe there was an error in how the law was applied or in the court’s procedures. It focuses on legal issues and the application of law to the facts, not on relitigating the case with new evidence. The appellate court looks at the trial record to determine if a reversible error occurred and can affirm, reverse, or remand the decision for a new trial or other relief. This is different from seeking to seal court records, which is handled by a motion to seal; from trying to modify the facts at trial, which is generally addressed by post-trial motions or a new trial; and from filing a new lawsuit, which starts a fresh case in the court.