What is an appeal in the criminal justice system?

An appeal in the criminal justice system is a request made to a higher court to review and potentially change the outcome of a lower court's decision. This process is a crucial component of the judicial system as it allows for the examination of legal errors that may have occurred during the original trial or proceedings. The higher court, known as the appellate court, assesses the case based on the record of the lower court's proceedings, any new legal arguments presented, and applicable laws.

The purpose of an appeal is not to re-examine factual evidence or to retry the case but rather to determine if the law was applied correctly and whether there were any procedural errors that could have impacted the outcome. If the appellate court finds that significant mistakes occurred, it can reverse or modify the ruling, remand the case for a new trial, or uphold the original decision if it finds no errors.

Understanding this concept is vital as it represents the checks and balances built into the legal system to ensure fairness and uphold the rule of law, allowing defendants to seek relief from convictions they believe are unjust.