In general, appellate courts are limited to the record of the trial court and do not hear new evidence, such as testimony from witnesses.  Thus, it is very important that the trial attorney develops a sufficient record of what happened in the trial court so that the appellate court can review the case.  Additionally, to appeal an issue, the trial attorney must have raised and preserved that issue in the trial court.  Generally, the party appealing the trial court’s decision cannot raise new issues on appeal.