What is the purpose of an interlocutory appeal?

An interlocutory appeal serves the purpose of addressing significant legal issues that arise during a trial prior to the conclusion of the trial itself. This type of appeal is typically sought for decisions made by a judge that may affect the progression of the trial, such as rulings on motions, evidentiary disputes, or the legal standards that govern the case.

The rationale behind permitting interlocutory appeals is to prevent a potential miscarriage of justice that might occur if a party had to wait until after the final verdict to challenge an important legal ruling. By allowing these appeals, the court can correct significant errors or clarify legal questions at crucial moments, which can ultimately impact the fairness and outcome of the trial.

The other options pertain to different legal processes: a final verdict would typically be challenged through a different type of appeal after the trial's conclusion, sentencing adjustments are generally matters dealt with at the sentencing phase post-trial, and expediting the trial process is not a function of an interlocutory appeal but rather relates to case management practices employed by the court.