What is typically required for a successful appeal?

For a successful appeal, demonstrating proof of legal error in the lower court's ruling is crucial. An appeal is not an opportunity to reargue or present new facts; rather, it is a process to review the application of the law and how it was interpreted and applied by the lower court. If a legal error is identified—such as the misinterpretation of a statute or failure to apply the correct legal standards—this can warrant the reversal or modification of the lower court's decision.

The other options do not align with the standard requirements for appeals. New factual evidence is generally not admissible in an appeal, as appeals are concerned with the record established in the lower court. A change of venue is irrelevant to the appellate process, as it pertains more to trial procedures and might involve moving a case to a different jurisdiction to ensure a fair trial. Similarly, a larger jury panel is not relevant in the context of an appeal, since issues of jury size arise primarily during trial, not after a verdict has been rendered. Therefore, understanding that a successful appeal hinges on identifying and proving legal errors is fundamental to navigating the appellate process effectively.