Oberlandesgerichte are regional appellate courts in Germany that handle appeals from lower courts, specifically Landgerichte. They play a crucial role in the German judicial system by ensuring that legal decisions are consistent and fair across different regions. Each Oberlandesgericht has jurisdiction over a specific area and is responsible for reviewing cases in various legal fields, including civil, criminal, and administrative law. Their decisions can be further appealed to the Bundesgerichtshof, which is the highest court in Germany.