Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Business Law Practice Exam

What is the function of an appellate court?

1. To conduct trials and hear new evidence

2. To hear appeals and review cases from lower courts

3. To provide legal advice to defendants

4. To draft legislation related to legal issues

The correct answer is: To hear appeals and review cases from lower courts

The function of an appellate court is to hear appeals and review cases from lower courts. Appellate courts do not conduct trials or hear new evidence; instead, they focus on evaluating the decisions made by lower courts. This evaluation is typically based on the written record from the original trial, which includes transcripts and evidence presented at that level. The primary purpose of an appellate court is to determine whether there were any legal errors in the trial court's proceedings that could have affected the outcome of the case. This can involve interpreting laws or assessing the application of legal principles to ensure that justice has been served. In contrast, conducting trials and hearing new evidence is the responsibility of trial courts. Providing legal advice to defendants is something that would typically be handled by attorneys or legal counsel, not by the court itself. While drafting legislation is an essential part of the law-making process, it is usually the role of legislative bodies, rather than courts. Thus, the role of appellate courts is crucial in the judicial system for maintaining the integrity and consistency of legal rulings across different cases.