The record
What the court of appeal reads, and what it never sees
An appeal isn't a second trial. The judges read what was said and filed below, and nothing else. Here's what that record holds and how to get a copy.
Oriana Matsuura6 min read
Guides
Notes on appeals, written for the person reading the judgment
Short, plain and specific. When a rule varies by state, we say so and tell you what to ask.
Criminal appealsHarmless error: when a mistake at trial isn't enough
Courts reverse for errors that changed the result, not for every error. How we test a mistake against the rest of the record before we recommend an appeal.
Ignacio Ibarguen7 min read
Reading this with a deadline in mind?
Send the date of the judgment or order. We'll reply with the deadline we see and whether we can help.