What is the difference between trial and appellate courts?

Appellate courts and trial courts are both types of courts that exist in the judicial system. Each type of court serves a different purpose and plays an important role in the judicial process. Trial courts are responsible for hearing and deciding cases at the first level of the judicial system. In these courts, lawyers present evidence and arguments to a judge or jury who then decides the facts of the case and decides whether a party is guilty or not guilty. In the state of Illinois, trial court cases involve criminal cases and civil cases, such as disputes between people and businesses. Appellate courts are responsible for reviewing decisions made in lower courts, such as trial courts. The judges of an appellate court typically review the trial court record and make a decision on the matter. Appellate courts don’t hear any new evidence or witness testimonies. Instead, they review the facts of the case and decide if the trial court was correct in applying the law to the facts. If the appellate court feels the lower court made a mistake, they may change, reverse or modify the lower court’s decision. Overall, trial courts are responsible for deciding the facts of a case while appellate courts review the decisions of the lower courts and decide if the law was correctly applied. Appellate courts are important because they help maintain fairness in the judicial system and ensure that all laws and regulations are followed.

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What is the difference between trial and appellate courts?

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