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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Trial Court and Appellate Court?

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The main difference between a trial court and an appellate court lies in their purposes and procedures. Here are the key differences:

Trial Court:

  1. Purpose: Trial courts are designed to determine a defendant's guilt or innocence based on the facts. Both sides are provided with the opportunity to present evidence, witnesses, and testimony.
  2. Ruling Party: Trial courts generally involve a judge and a jury. In these cases, a judge decides a verdict based on the jury's interpretation of the cases presented.
  3. Procedures: Witnesses give testimony, and a judge or jury decides who is guilty or not guilty, or who is liable or not liable.

Appellate Court:

  1. Purpose: Appellate courts are designed not to hear witness testimony or to examine new evidence, but to challenge the decision made by a trial judge during a trial.
  2. Ruling Party: In appellate courts, there is no jury present. Instead, there is a panel of judges who are tasked with the responsibility of reviewing the trial case (e.g., testimony, court records, legal briefs, etc.).
  3. Procedures: Appellate courts do not retry cases or hear new evidence. They do not hear witnesses testify, and there is no jury.

In summary, trial courts are responsible for determining guilt or innocence based on the facts presented, while appellate courts focus on reviewing the decisions made by trial courts to ensure that the law was applied correctly and fairly.

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  • What is the Difference Between Trial Court and Appellate Court?
  • Comparative Table: Trial Court vs Appellate Court

    • Comparative Table: Trial Court vs Appellate Court

    Here is a table outlining the differences between trial courts and appellate courts:

    Feature Trial Courts Appellate Courts
    Purpose Trial courts settle cases between two parties seeking remedy for the first time. Appellate courts oversee cases where one party appeals a decision made by a trial court.
    Decision-Making In a trial court, the factfinder—usually a judge or jury—will make findings of fact. Appellate courts generally do not decide issues of fact.
    Judge(s) Trial courts usually involve a single judge presiding over a case. Appellate courts often hear cases in multi-judge panels.
    Evidence Presentation Witnesses are called and their testimonies are recorded, word for word, into a trial record. The appealing party presents legal arguments to the panel in a written brief, seeking to convince the judges that the trial court or administrative agency committed substantial errors.
    Decision Basis The factfinder determines which party should have judgment awarded in their favor based on the evidence submitted by the parties and the relevant law. Appellate courts decide cases based on the written briefs and, in some cases, oral arguments.

    In summary, trial courts are responsible for determining the facts of a case and reaching a verdict, while appellate courts review the decisions made by trial courts and focus on legal arguments and errors that may have occurred during the trial.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of SĂŁo Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.