What is the appellate division of a court?

The appellate division of a court is an organization that hears appeals from criminal cases decided in state courts. This division is separate from the trial court and is composed of appellate judges and sometimes juries. In Virginia, appeals are heard by the Supreme Court of Virginia, the Court of Appeals of Virginia, the Circuit Courts, and the District Courts. The Supreme Court of Virginia is the highest court in the Commonwealth of Virginia and hears appeals of the decisions made by the Court of Appeals of Virginia and the Circuit Courts. The Court of Appeals of Virginia is the intermediate appellate court in the Commonwealth of Virginia and hears appeals from the Circuit Courts and the District Courts. The Circuit Courts are the trial courts in Virginia and hear appeals from the District Courts. Finally, the District Courts are the lowest court in Virginia and hear appeals from the Juvenile and Domestic Relations Courts. An appellant is the party who appeals a decision from the trial court. The appellant must present their arguments to the appellate division and demonstrate why the trial court’s decision was incorrect. The appellate division then hears all evidence presented by both sides and makes a decision on the case. If the decision is in favor of the appellant, the court will reverse or modify the decision made by the trial court. On the other hand, if the appellate division upholds the trial court’s decision, the decision is affirmed and the original trial court decision stands.

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