Word: Appeals Court
Definition:
An appeals court is a type of court that reviews decisions made by lower courts. If someone disagrees with a decision made by a trial court, they can take their case to the appeals court to see if the decision should be changed.
Usage Instructions:
- The term "appeals court" is a noun and is often used in legal contexts. - You can use it when discussing legal cases, rights, or judicial processes.
Example Sentence:
"The defendant decided to take their case to the appeals court because they believed the trial court made a mistake."
Advanced Usage:
In more complex legal discussions, you might encounter terms like "appellate jurisdiction," which refers to the authority of the appeals court to review decisions. You might also hear about "briefs," which are written arguments presented to the appeals court.
Word Variants:
- Appeal (verb): To formally request a change to a decision made by a lower court. - Example: "She decided to appeal the verdict." - Appellate (adjective): Relating to the appeals court. - Example: "The appellate process can take many months."
Different Meanings:
While "appeals court" specifically refers to a legal court, the word "appeal" can have other meanings, such as a request for help or a call to action.
Synonyms:
- Appellate court - Higher court
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There aren't common idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to "appeals court," but in legal contexts, you might hear phrases like "take it to court" or "fight it out in court," which mean to pursue legal action.
Summary:
An appeals court plays an essential role in the justice system, allowing for the review and potential change of lower court decisions.