Types of Courts
•Trial Courts (courts of original jurisdiction)
•Appellate Courts
Trial Courts
Common function:
–Finding relevant facts
•Evidence is used to establish the facts
–Identifying appropriate law applicable to the facts and remedy requested
–combining facts and law to reach decision determining the merits of the claims
Facts + Law = Decision (Judgment)
Appellate Courts
•Appellate courts review decisions of lower courts
–Many countries have Intermediate Appellate Courts
•Appeal is challenge of a judgment to a higher judicial authority
•Commencement: formally filing a notice of appeal
–Appeal often contains Appellate Brief
Issues Considered on Appeal
•Trial record is considered
–Some appellate courts consider new evidence
•Appellant, respondent argue on
–proceedings, rulings
–evidence considered
–law used
–final judgment commonly challenged
•Appellant must prove that the lower court committed error