What does the appeal division do?

The appeal division plays a crucial role in the judicial system by specifically handling appeals from the trial division. This means that when a party is dissatisfied with the outcome of a case decided in the trial division, they can request a review of that decision by the appeal division. The primary purpose of the appeal division is to ensure that legal errors are rectified and to provide a higher level of scrutiny over trial court decisions. It does not conduct trials, which are the purview of the trial division. By concentrating solely on appeals, the appeal division helps maintain the integrity of the legal process and offers a mechanism for correcting mistakes that may have occurred during the trial phase.

In contrast, the other options represent functions that do not align with the role of the appeal division. Hearing trials at first instance pertains to the responsibilities of the trial division, while conducting citizenship ceremonies falls outside the scope of judicial functions altogether. Preliminary hearings are also a specific procedural step that typically takes place within the trial division before a case proceeds to trial, further distinguishing the appeal division's focus on appeals rather than initial hearings or trials.