What is the function of the Appellate Court in the criminal justice system?

The function of the Appellate Court in the criminal justice system is to hear appeals without retrying cases. This means that when a decision from a lower court is challenged, the Appellate Court reviews the case to determine if there were any legal errors made during the trial that could have affected the outcome. The Appellate Court does not conduct a new trial or reconsider the factual evidence; instead, it focuses on examining the application of the law, procedural issues, and whether the rights of the parties involved were upheld during the lower court proceedings.

This process is essential to ensure that justice is administered fairly and that legal precedents are followed. The Appellate Court may affirm, reverse, or remand the case based on its findings, but the actual facts and evidence presented during the trial are not re-evaluated. Therefore, the role of the Appellate Court is critical in maintaining the integrity of the legal system by providing a check on trial court decisions.