apellatsioonikohud

Apellatsioonikohus is the Estonian term for an appellate court. These courts are part of the Estonian judicial system and are responsible for reviewing decisions made by lower courts, specifically the district courts. The primary function of an apellatsioonikohus is to hear appeals filed against the judgments of district courts. This review process allows for the correction of errors in law or fact that may have occurred during the initial trial.

In Estonia, there are two apellatsioonikohus: the Tallinn Appellate Court and the Tartu Appellate Court. These courts handle both civil and criminal cases. When a party is dissatisfied with a district court's decision, they have the right to file an appeal with the relevant apellatsioonikohus. The appellate court examines the case based on the evidence presented in the lower court and may also consider new evidence if permitted by law.

The apellatsioonikohus can uphold the original decision, overturn it, or amend it. Their judgments can then, in certain circumstances and with specific legal grounds, be further appealed to the Supreme Court of Estonia, which is the highest court in the land. The existence of appellate courts ensures a system of checks and balances within the judiciary and provides a mechanism for ensuring justice and the correct application of laws.