Circuit courts have the authority to hear appeals. This type of jurisdiction grants them what power?

Circuit courts are empowered with appellate jurisdiction, which specifically allows them to review decisions made by lower courts. This means that when a case is appealed from a trial court, the circuit court has the authority to examine the record from the lower court, assess the application of law, and ultimately uphold, reverse, or modify the lower court's decision.

Appellate jurisdiction is critical because it provides a mechanism for ensuring that legal standards and processes are correctly applied in trial courts, thereby serving as a check on trial court decisions. This authority does not involve the circuit courts holding original trials or hearing cases for the first time; rather, it focuses on the review and interpretation of previously established facts and legal determinations.

In contrast, original jurisdiction pertains to a court's authority to hear a case for the first time, usually involving factual determinations and trials. Concurrent jurisdiction refers to situations where two or more courts have the authority to hear the same case, while exclusive jurisdiction means that only one court has the authority to hear a specific type of case. Understanding these distinctions is essential for grasping the nuances of court systems and their respective roles.