What is the primary function of an appellate court?

The primary function of an appellate court is to review decisions made by lower courts. Appellate courts do not conduct new trials or hear witness testimonies, which distinguishes them from trial courts. Instead, they focus on determining whether the law was applied correctly in previous cases and if proper legal procedures were followed. Through this review process, appellate courts ensure that justice is served by correcting any legal errors that might have occurred during the trial. This function is crucial for maintaining consistency and fairness in the judicial system, as appellate courts help develop case law and legal precedents that lower courts must follow.