How do trial courts differ from appellate courts?

Trial courts and appellate courts serve distinct roles within a judicial system. Their primary differences include:

• Function and Scope: Trial courts, or courts of first instance, are where cases originate. They hear witnesses, receive evidence, find facts, apply the law, and determine the outcome of a dispute. In contrast, appellate courts are positioned above trial courts to review their work, specifically to identify and correct legal errors.1
• Composition: A trial court is typically presided over by a single judge, whereas appellate courts are usually collegiate bodies consisting of several judges.1
• Review Process: Appellate review is not automatic; it must be sought by a party aggrieved by a judgment. While trial courts focus on resolving specific controversies, appellate courts also serve to clarify and expound the law, creating precedents that guide future cases.12
• Evidence: Trial courts directly receive evidence and testimony. Appellate courts often rely on the written record from the lower court, though some systems allow for retrials or the introduction of additional evidence depending on the jurisdiction and type of appeal.1