This legal concept generally refers to the right of a higher court to review a decision of a lower court. For example, if a trial court makes a ruling a party disagrees with, that party might have the option to ask a higher court, such as an appellate court, to review the decision for errors. This process ensures checks and balances within the judicial system.
The ability to seek review provides a crucial safeguard against potential misinterpretations of law or procedural missteps in lower courts. It helps maintain consistency in the application of legal principles across different jurisdictions and over time. Historically, this hierarchical structure of judicial review evolved as a means to ensure fairness and prevent arbitrary decisions, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of a just legal system.
