Which entity typically handles the appeal process in civil cases?

The appeal process in civil cases is typically handled by the appellate court. Appellate courts are specifically designed to review decisions made by trial courts, examining the application of law and assessing whether any errors occurred during the trial that would warrant a reversal or modification of the trial court's decision.

Appellate courts do not conduct new trials or hear new evidence; instead, they review the records from the trial court, consider written briefs submitted by the parties, and may hear oral arguments to determine whether the law was applied correctly and whether the trial was conducted fairly. This function is essential in ensuring that the judicial process remains checks and balances by allowing for oversight of trial court decisions.

Other entities, such as the trial court, handle initial case hearings and decisions, while the small claims court deals with limited monetary disputes and does not function in the appellate capacity. The supreme court, in some jurisdictions, may serve as the highest appellate court, but appeals often go first to an intermediate appellate court before possibly being taken to the supreme court for further review. Thus, in the context of typical procedures, the correct answer is indeed the appellate court.