What is the purpose of an appeal?

The purpose of an appeal is to challenge a lower court's decision. This legal process allows a party dissatisfied with the outcome of a case to seek a review by a higher court. The appeal process primarily focuses on examining whether legal errors occurred during the trial that may have affected the verdict or the judgment.

When an appeal is filed, the appellate court assesses the record from the lower court and determines whether the trial was conducted in accordance with legal principles and standards. This means that the appeal is not about re-trying the case or examining new evidence, but rather evaluating the decision-making process and the interpretation of the law as applied in the original trial.

In contrast, options that suggest requesting a new trial, negotiating a plea bargain, or introducing new evidence are not part of the appeal process. An appeal does not provide a mechanism for a new trial or the introduction of new evidence, as it relies on the existing record to make its assessment. Therefore, the primary role of an appeal is to serve as a means of challenging the decisions made by lower courts, ensuring that justice is upheld and legal standards are maintained.