What is the difference between the role of a trial court and

What is the difference between the role of a trial court and the role of an appellate court? What functions do they perform, and how do they perform them?

By way of hypothetical: Jane sued Steven. She lost the lawsuit because she believed the judge made a wrong decision. What can Jane do now?

Explain her options.

Solution

There are 3 major differences between trial court and appellate court -

1) At trial court both parties presents their version of the case with the help of evidences and witnesses. On the other side in appellate court their is no concept of witnesses and evidences, lawyers simply discuss legal and policy issues.

2) In trial court, only one judge sits and decides over the faith of case on the basis of evidences presented while in appellate court a bench of judge takes final decision.

3) In trial court sometimes a jury decides whether the accused person is guilty or not while in appellate court judge decides outcome of all the cases.

Jane can move to appellate court if she strongly feels that the judge has not followed lawsuit.