What is the difference between trial and appellate courts?

The difference between trial and appellate courts is that trial courts are the first courts to hear a case. In a trial court, a judge or jury will hear testimony, review evidence, and decide the outcome of a case. By contrast, appellate courts do not hear new evidence or testimony; instead, they review and analyze the proceedings of a trial court to determine if the trial court correctly applied the law. If the appellate court determines that the trial court did not follow the proper procedures and/or did not correctly apply the law, then the appellate court has the authority to overturn the decision of the trial court. In the District of Columbia, there is only one appellate court, the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. This court reviews the decisions of the various trial courts in the District, including the Superior Court of the District of Columbia and the D.C. Court of Appeals (for criminal cases). In summary, trial courts are the first courts to hear a case, where a judge or jury will make a decision based on the evidence presented. Appellate courts review the decisions of the trial courts to ensure that the law was correctly applied when the decision was made. Only one appellate court exists in the District of Columbia, the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.

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What is the difference between trial and appellate courts?

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