Appellate Jurisdiction

Definition

A court's authority to review and hear appeals from lower court decisions, allowing people to complain about unfavorable verdicts.

Example Usage

The circuit court exercised appellate jurisdiction to review the district court's controversial ruling.

Origin

From Latin 'appellare' meaning to call or appeal; established in common law

Fun Fact

Supreme Court has discretionary appellate jurisdiction; it chooses most cases it reviews

Source: Judicial system and court procedure terminology

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