Functions of Court of Appeals
The Court of Appeals in the Philippines is a collegiate appellate court, which primarily serves as a reviewing body for decisions and orders issued by the Regional Trial Courts (RTCs) and other lower courts. Established under the Constitution and governed by various laws and regulations, including Batas Pambansa Blg. 129 (The Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980), this court holds an essential place in the Philippine legal system.
Jurisdiction and Scope
The Court of Appeals exercises its jurisdiction over cases that are appealed from lower courts. These typically include civil and criminal cases that have already been ruled upon. The court does not have the authority to hear cases in the first instance; it only reviews decisions that are brought before it. Its jurisdiction is defined by law and is essentially appellate in nature.
Review Mechanism
A vital role of the Court of Appeals is to examine the legal and factual basis of the decisions made by lower courts. This includes analyzing whether the lower court applied the law correctly and whether the findings were supported by substantial evidence. Based on this review, the Court of Appeals may affirm, reverse, or modify the decisions of lower courts.
Multiple Divisions
The Court of Appeals is organized into multiple divisions, each comprising three justices. These divisions act independently of one another, but they follow a uniform set of rules and procedures. A decision made by a division is considered a decision of the Court of Appeals as a whole, although some cases may be heard en banc (by all members of the court) for particular reasons defined by law or internal rules.
Precedent and Stare Decisis
While the decisions of the Court of Appeals are not binding on other divisions of the same court or other lower courts, they can be persuasive. They do not carry the weight of precedent in the same way that decisions of the Supreme Court do. However, their interpretations of the law are often cited in subsequent legal arguments and decisions.
Conclusion
The Court of Appeals plays a critical role in the Philippine judicial system. As a reviewing body, it ensures that justice is served by re-examining the decisions of lower courts. Through this, the Court of Appeals helps maintain the integrity of the legal process and safeguards the rights and liberties of the public.