What is the difference between trial and appellate courts?

The difference between trial and appellate courts in Kansas is that trial courts hear and decide cases first while appellate courts review the decisions of trial courts. Trial courts are the first step in the judicial process. These courts hear arguments from both sides of a dispute and consider evidence presented by each side. The judge then makes a ruling, which may be in favor of either party. If either party is dissatisfied with the ruling, they may appeal the decision to a higher court. Appellate courts review the decisions of lower courts and may reverse or affirm them. They may also review errors made by the lower court, such as the admission of evidence, how witness testimony was handled, and other procedural matters. Appellate courts do not weigh the merits of the case, but rather they review the lower court’s findings of fact and law and reach their own conclusion based on the facts and the applicable law. In Kansas, appeals from the trial courts are heard by the Kansas Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of Kansas. The Court of Appeals is a statewide court with nine judges hearing appeals from both criminal and civil cases. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the state and hears appeals from decisions of the Court of Appeals, as well as certain other types of cases.

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