State appellate courts are specialized courts that review decisions made by lower courts, such as trial courts. Their primary role is to ensure that the law was applied correctly and that legal procedures were followed. These courts do not conduct new trials; instead, they examine the records from the original case and listen to arguments from both sides. In most states, appellate courts consist of multiple judges who work together to reach a decision. If a party is dissatisfied with the outcome, they can often appeal to a higher court, such as the state supreme court. This process helps maintain fairness and consistency in the legal system.