Which statement about appellate courts is correct?

• A. Appellate courts hear new testimony in most cases.
• B. Appellate courts review the lower court's decision on questions of law, typically without new testimony.
• C. Appellate courts issue initial decisions in most cases.
• D. Appellate courts have no authority to review lower court decisions.

Answer: (B)

Appellate courts exist to ensure legal decisions are correctly applied, not to reweigh evidence. They review the lower court’s ruling on questions of law, using the trial record, briefs, and sometimes oral argument. They generally do not hear new testimony or accept new evidence because the decision should be based on what happened in the original proceedings. If an error is found, the appellate court may reverse or remand for further proceedings. Initial decisions come from the trial or municipal court, not the appellate court, and appellate courts do have authority to review and correct lower court decisions.