What is the purpose of an appeal in criminal cases?

An appeal in criminal cases is the process of requesting a higher court to review a lower court’s decision to determine if it was correct. In Indiana, an appeal is the result of a defendant or the state disagreeing with the lower court’s decision or judgment. The purpose of an appeal is to provide an opportunity for another court to review the legal process and the facts of the case. This review not only serves to correct any errors made but also to make sure the decision is consistent with existing case law. If the higher court finds errors in the lower court’s ruling, they can either modify the decision or order a new trial. It is important to note that an appeal cannot be used to introduce new evidence or to re-argue the case. At the heart of an appeal is the guarantee that an accused person will be given a fair trial. If the lower court was biased or made an error, then the higher court can correct it, ensuring that justice is done. An appeal can also be used to ensure that laws are interpreted correctly and uniformly across the state. In Indiana, appeals can be filed at the Court of Appeals or, in some instances, at the Indiana Supreme Court. Appeals are usually heard by a panel of three judges, although some cases may be heard by a single judge. The decision of the appellate court can be appealed further to the Indiana Supreme Court, however, this is typically only done in cases involving important constitutional issues.

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What is the purpose of an appeal in criminal cases?

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