Many people associate appeals with criminal proceedings. High-profile appeals cases often involve individuals wrongfully convicted of criminal offenses. However, appeals are also common after civil court trials.
People who litigate personal injury, business or contract matters may require the intervention of the civil courts to resolve a dispute. In some cases, the people seeking justice in the civil courts or responding to a verdict may question whether the courts appropriately applied the law and considered applicable judicial precedents.
Occasionally, those who have litigated a dispute in civil court may have grounds for an appeal because the courts have misinterpreted or misapplied the law.
Legal interpretation is complex
People who are unfamiliar with the judicial system often imagine that statutory interpretation is largely black and white. In reality, there are countless details that may influence the outcome of legal matters, including civil litigation.
There are many ways in which a civil case could fall apart. One party may try to represent themselves in court. They could also hire a lawyer unfamiliar with a particular type of legal issue because they know and trust the attorney. They might develop the case inappropriately or fail to hone in on key details when discussing the issue in court.
The result might be that the courts enter a questionable judgment. Appealing an inappropriate ruling can be even more complex than developing a legal case initially. Even those who felt confident representing themselves in court initially may find that they need support during the appeals process.
Legal research is often a crucial component of the appeals process. The research stage can be lengthy, which is another reason why assistance is necessary in many appeals. The window of opportunity to appeal a court ruling is relatively small. If people don’t act assertively, they may lose their opportunity to request review in the appellate courts.
Appeals are not new trials. Instead, they involve review from the appellate courts to determine if the lower courts erred in legal procedure or in their interpretation of the law. Those questioning the outcome of a civil case may be able to appeal and obtain a more favorable outcome.
Reviewing what happened during the initial trial with a skilled appellate legal team is a key step in cases where those involved in civil litigation believe that the outcome of a trial was improper. In cases where there was a clear misinterpretation of the law, an appeal may be possible.