Legal Definitions - Court of Appeal

The Court of Appeal is a court in England that hears appeals in both civil and criminal cases. It was established by the Judicature Acts of 1873 and 1875.

The court is made up of several judges, including the Lord Chancellor, Lord Chief Justice, Master of the Rolls, President of the Family Division, Vice-Chancellor of the Chancery Division, former Lord Chancellors, Lords of Appeal in Ordinary, and Lords Justices of Appeal. However, in practice, it is usually made up of the Master of Rolls and the Lords Justices.

The Court of Appeal sits in several divisions, each with three members. These judges hear appeals from lower courts and tribunals, and their decisions can have a significant impact on the law and legal precedent.

For example, if a person is convicted of a crime and appeals their conviction, the Court of Appeal may hear their case and decide whether the conviction should be upheld or overturned. Similarly, if there is a dispute between two parties in a civil case, the Court of Appeal may hear an appeal and make a decision that resolves the dispute.