Apellatsioon

Apellatsioon is a legal remedy by which a party challenges a court decision to a higher court, requesting a review of the decision for errors in the application of law and, in some systems, in the factual findings. It serves to correct mistakes made by lower courts and to ensure consistent interpretation of legal standards.

It is typically available in civil, criminal, and administrative matters. Grounds include legal errors, misinterpretation of evidence, or procedural flaws. Depending on jurisdiction, an appellate court may reexamine the legal issues and, in some cases, the facts. In many systems, new evidence is not admitted on appeal except under limited circumstances.

Procedure usually requires filing a notice of appeal within a statutory deadline, sometimes accompanied by a written argument and the relevant record. The appellate court may hold hearings, review the record, and decide to uphold, overturn, modify, or remand the decision for further proceedings. The scope of review and the available remedies vary by jurisdiction.

In Estonia, apellatsioon is the standard remedy against decisions of district courts and other first‑instance tribunals; appeals are heard by the Court of Appeal (Ringkonnakohus). A further cassation appeal to the Supreme Court (Riigikohus) can be available on points of law, rather than new facts, subject to the conditions set by law.