Which courts determine whether lower courts have made errors of law?

Which courts determine whether lower courts have made errors of law?

• A. Trial courts
• B. Appellate courts
• C. Municipal courts
• D. Federal courts

Answer: (B)

Appellate courts review lower court decisions to see if the law was applied correctly. They focus on legal issues—such as misinterpreting statutes, constitutional questions, or procedural rulings—rather than re‑weighing evidence or re‑determining factual findings, which are the trial court’s job. When they find a legal error, they can reverse, modify, or remand the case for further proceedings. Municipal courts are trial courts with limited jurisdiction, and federal courts can be trial or appellate, but determining errors of law is the function of the appellate level.

Appellate courts review lower court decisions to see if the law was applied correctly. They focus on legal issues—such as misinterpreting statutes, constitutional questions, or procedural rulings—rather than re‑weighing evidence or re‑determining factual findings, which are the trial court’s job. When they find a legal error, they can reverse, modify, or remand the case for further proceedings. Municipal courts are trial courts with limited jurisdiction, and federal courts can be trial or appellate, but determining errors of law is the function of the appellate level.