What is the main function of the appeal process in legal proceedings?

The main function of the appeal process in legal proceedings is to challenge the correctness of a lower court's decision. When parties believe that a trial court has made errors in its judgment or that the legal rules were applied incorrectly, they can file an appeal. This process allows for a higher court to review the case and determine whether the lower court's decision should be upheld, modified, or reversed.

It does not involve conducting a new trial, which means that facts are typically not re-evaluated, nor are new evidence presented. The appellate court focuses on legal interpretations and procedural adherence rather than re-examining evidence or facts of the case.

Additionally, the appeal process is not intended to impose penalties on the lower court; its role is primarily to ensure justice and proper legal standards are maintained. Settling out of court pertains to voluntarily resolving a dispute between parties before it reaches litigation or during the litigation process; this is separate from the appeal process. Therefore, the core purpose of an appeal is fundamentally about assessing the legality and appropriateness of the lower court’s ruling.