What is the difference between a trial court and a court of appeals?

A trial court and a court of appeals are two distinct levels of courts within the judicial system. They serve different functions and have different jurisdictions.

1. Function:
- Trial Court: A trial court is the initial court where legal disputes are heard and resolved for the first time. It is responsible for conducting trials, examining evidence, and making decisions based on the facts and applicable laws. The trial court is where the parties present their cases, witnesses testify, and evidence is presented. It determines the guilt or innocence of the accused in criminal cases and resolves disputes between parties in civil cases.
- Court of Appeals: A court of appeals, also known as an appellate court, is responsible for reviewing decisions made by trial courts. Its primary function is to hear appeals from lower courts and determine if any errors were made during the trial process. The court of appeals does not reexamine the facts or evidence presented in the trial court; instead, it focuses on legal issues and whether the trial court correctly applied the law. The court of appeals can affirm, reverse, or modify the decision of the trial court.

2. Jurisdiction:
- Trial Court: A trial court has original jurisdiction, meaning it has the authority to hear cases for the first time. It is the starting point for most legal disputes, whether they are criminal or civil in nature. Trial courts have the power to determine the facts of the case, apply the law, and render a judgment or verdict.
- Court of Appeals: A court of appeals has appellate jurisdiction, which means it has the authority to review decisions made by lower courts. It does not have the power to conduct trials or hear new evidence. Instead, it focuses on reviewing the legal procedures and decisions made by the trial court to ensure they were fair and in accordance with the law.

3. Decision-Making Process:
- Trial Court: In a trial court, a judge or a jury is responsible for making decisions based on the evidence presented and the applicable law. The judge oversees the trial, ensures the proceedings are fair, and instructs the jury on the law. In some cases, the judge may also act as the fact-finder and make the final decision.
- Court of Appeals: In a court of appeals, a panel of judges, typically three or more, reviews the trial court's decision. They examine the legal arguments presented by the parties, review the trial record, and assess whether any errors occurred during the trial process. The judges in the court of appeals do not reevaluate the facts or evidence; their focus is on the application of the law and the fairness of the trial.

In summary, the main difference between a trial court and a court of appeals lies in their functions and jurisdictions. The trial court is the initial court where cases are heard for the first time, while the court of appeals reviews decisions made by trial courts. The trial court determines the facts and applies the law, while the court of appeals focuses on reviewing legal issues and ensuring the fairness of the trial process.