What is the difference between an appeals court and a trial court?

An appeals court and a trial court are two separate types of courts involved in the criminal justice system in Texas. An appeals court reviews decisions made by a trial court, ensuring that laws and regulations were followed during the trial and that appropriate justice was served. An appeals court is not a trial court and does not hear cases as a trial court would. A trial court hears evidence from both sides in a criminal case and renders a decision based on the information heard. A jury or judge examines the facts of a case and makes a determination of guilt or innocence. The decision of the trial court can be appealed by filing an appeal to the appeals court. The appeals court is responsible for reviewing the trial court’s decision and determining if the decision was based on the law and procedure that was provided. The appeals court will also consider any errors made during the trial court’s process. If the appeals court finds that the trial court made errors in its decision, the appeals court will correct those errors and remand the case back to the trial court for re-hearing. In short, trial courts are responsible for hearing criminal cases and determining guilt or innocence, while appeals courts are responsible for reviewing the decisions of trial courts and ensuring that the trial court followed the applicable law.

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