When people do not agree with the outcome of their cases in the trial court or Tax Court, they may appeal their case to a higher court. These higher courts are called appellate courts. Appellate courts review the decisions of lower courts to determine whether those decisions were correct under the law. In reviewing lower-court decisions, appellate courts, like the trial courts, interpret the New Jersey and United States constitutions. They also interpret statutes, or laws enacted by the the State Legislature.
Appellate review helps to ensure that our courts and laws are fair.
It is one of the hallmarks of America's legal system. In the Appellate Division, cases are reviewed and decided by panels of two or three judges. In the Appellate Division, cases are reviewed and decided by panels of two or three judges. There are no juries or witnesses in Appellate Division cases, and no new evidence is considered. Instead, lawyers make their legal arguments to the judges.