What role do intermediate courts of appeals play in the judicial system?

Intermediate courts of appeals play a crucial role in the judicial system by reviewing decisions made by lower courts to ensure that the law has been applied correctly and that fair trial standards have been upheld. This function of reviewing cases allows for the correction of errors that may have occurred during the trial process. These courts provide a mechanism for litigants to appeal decisions they believe were made in error, helping to maintain consistency and fairness within the judicial system.

By examining the legal arguments and the application of the law in lower court rulings, intermediate courts contribute to the development of legal precedents and help clarify ambiguities in the law. This review process ultimately serves to protect the rights of individuals involved in the legal system, ensuring that justice is served.

Intermediate courts do not serve as the highest court in the state, which would be the role of the state supreme court, nor do they typically handle cases that solely revolve around significant public interest, as that can be addressed at various levels of the judiciary. Additionally, these courts do not conduct original trials for criminal cases; their primary function is to review and evaluate the decisions made by trial courts rather than to adjudicate new cases from the start.