What is the difference between trial and appellate courts?

Trial and appellate courts are both part of the court system in South Carolina. However, trial courts and appellate courts are vastly different in their roles. A trial court is the court where most cases originate, and where the trial of a case takes place. These courts are made up of juries who are tasked with determining the facts of a case, while a judge determines the applicable laws to the case. The parties present their evidence and arguments to the judge and jury, and from their decisions a judgement is rendered. Appellate courts, on the other hand, do not conduct trials. Instead, these courts review decisions made in trial courts and review the evidence the trial court had to reach their decision. Appellate courts are tasked with determining if the trial court erred in their decision or application of law. If the appellate court decides that the trial court made an error, it will affirm, reverse, modify, or remand the decision, depending on the circumstances. In summary, the major difference between trial and appellate courts is that trial courts conduct trials, where the facts of a case are determined, while appellate courts review the decisions made in trial courts. Appellate courts determine whether the trial court applied the laws correctly and make changes to the decision if an error was made.

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What is the difference between trial and appellate courts?

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