appellate court

noun

Pronunciation: əˈpelət kɔːrt

Definition

A judicial body empowered to review the decisions of lower courts to ensure that the law was applied correctly during the original trial.

Examples

• The defense attorney filed an appeal, hoping the appellate court would find a procedural error in the initial sentencing.

• Unlike trial courts, an appellate court does not hear new testimony or examine physical evidence from the crime scene.

• The state's highest appellate court issued a landmark ruling that changed how evidence is handled in future criminal cases.

Synonyms of appellate court

Words with a similar meaning to appellate court:

• appeals court
• court of appeal
• appellate tribunal

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