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

The difference between an appeals court and a trial court in Virginia is that a trial court is responsible for deciding guilt or innocence in the first instance of a criminal case. The appeals court is responsible for reviewing the trial court’s decisions and ruling on any errors or legal issues that may have been made. A trial court in Virginia is responsible for hearing criminal cases and determining a defendant’s guilt or innocence. This court hears evidence and testimony from both sides and makes a decision based on the law and facts presented. The decision made in trial court is tentative and can be appealed. An appeals court in Virginia is responsible for reviewing a decision made by a trial court and making sure it was done in accordance with the law. The appeals courts have the authority to overturn decisions made by trial courts. The appeals court looks for errors of law, such as violations of the defendant’s constitutional rights, and then decides whether the trial court’s decision should be affirmed, reversed, or remanded for further proceedings. In summary, the trial court is responsible for making the initial determination of guilt or innocence, while the appeals court hears a case to decide whether or not the trial court erred in its decision and should be reversed or affirmed.

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