What occurs when an appeals court reviews a lower court's findings?

When an appeals court reviews a lower court's findings, the primary function is to assess whether there were any errors in the original trial that could have affected the outcome. This process involves examining the record of the lower court proceedings, including the evidence presented and the legal interpretations made by the trial judge.

The appeals court does not create new evidence, conduct a retrial, or dismiss the case unless substantive issues warrant such actions. Instead, it has the authority to correct errors that may have occurred, which can include mistakes in the application of the law, improper jury instructions, or evidentiary issues. By identifying these errors, the appeals court helps ensure that justice is served and that legal standards are upheld in the judicial system.