What is the role of appellate courts?

Appellate courts serve a crucial function in the judicial system by reviewing the judgments made by lower courts. Their primary role is to examine the record of the case and determine whether legal errors were made that could have affected the outcome. Appellate courts do not retry cases or hear new evidence; instead, they focus on issues of law and the proper application of legal principles to the facts established in the original trial. This function ensures that legal standards are consistently applied and that the rights of the parties are protected.

The other options present roles that do not align with the primary function of appellate courts. Conducting trials for serious crimes is a responsibility of trial courts, which have original jurisdiction over such cases. Additionally, appellate courts do not hear cases solely in their original jurisdiction; their purpose is to review and assess the decisions made in lower courts. Lastly, while overseeing pretrial motions is part of the trial court's function, appellate courts are not directly involved in this pretrial phase, as their focus lies in reviewing completed cases. Thus, the role of appellate courts in reviewing lower court judgments is fundamental to maintaining judicial integrity and ensuring fair legal processes.