Which of the following describes the nature of appeals in the legal system?

The correct choice highlights that some appeals address significant questions of law and policy, which is a fundamental aspect of the appellate process. In the legal system, appeals provide a mechanism for reviewing the decisions made by lower courts, offering the opportunity to examine whether errors of law or procedure affected the outcome of the case.

When substantial questions arise—such as interpretations of constitutional provisions or important legal precedents—these are often the focus of appellate scrutiny. This is crucial for ensuring that the law is applied consistently and fairly across cases. Appellate courts may decide to uphold, reverse, or modify lower court decisions based on these major legal principles, thus shaping the application of law more broadly.

The other options do not accurately represent the nature of appeals. For instance, it is not accurate to say that all appeals are lengthy and complex; many can be resolved through expedited processes. Similarly, appeals do not typically require a jury trial, as they are usually adjudicated by a panel of judges. Finally, the idea that appeals automatically lead to a trial de novo is incorrect; in most appeals, the focus is on the record from the original trial rather than a complete retrial of the case.