A Visitor's Guide to the Court of Appeal

The California Courts of Appeal are intermediate courts of review that ensure the law is interpreted and applied correctly. They review appeals from cases heard in a superior court and other matters prescribed by statute. The state is divided into 6 appellate districts, with 19 divisions and 101 justices. An appeal is a request to a higher court to review a decision made in a completed trial or proceeding. The Courts of Appeal decide questions of law and do not hear testimony or retry cases. The process involves filing a notice of appeal, submitting briefs, and hearing oral arguments. A concurrence of two out of the three justices is necessary to form a majority opinion. The California Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court can review decisions of the Courts of Appeal.