What characterizes an appellate court?

An appellate court is characterized by its role in the judicial system, primarily focused on reviewing decisions made by lower courts. This review process is crucial because it allows for the correction of errors, interpretation of law, and ensures that legal standards are applied consistently across cases. Appellate courts do not conduct new trials or hear new evidence; instead, they look at the records from the trial court, review legal arguments, and determine whether the law was applied correctly in the case being appealed.

The ability to review decisions is essential for maintaining the integrity of the legal system, as it provides a mechanism for oversight and upholds the rights of the parties involved. This is distinct from original trial courts, which are responsible for hearing cases for the first time, involving presenting evidence, and making determinations of fact.

The other options provided are inconsistent with the primary function of appellate courts. For example, while some appellate courts may occasionally hear criminal cases, they do not exclusively focus on them, as indicated by the nature of their review tasks. Additionally, they do not engage in original trials, which is the responsibility of trial courts. Lastly, stating that an appellate court does not have jurisdiction over any case contradicts their essential role; they indeed have specific jurisdiction to hear appeals