The second highest court in England and Wales

Health · Published 19 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Navigating the English legal system requires understanding where a case goes when a lower court's decision is challenged. The Court of Appeal serves as the critical bridge between local justice and the nation's highest authority, wielding the power to uphold, reverse, or modify significant legal rulings.

The Court of Appeal occupies a central position in the Senior Courts of England and Wales, ranking second only to the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom. Since 2009, when the Supreme Court assumed the judicial functions of the House of Lords, the Court of Appeal has functioned as the primary appellate body for the jurisdiction. It is headquartered at the Royal Courts of Justice in London and operates through two distinct branches: the Civil Division and the Criminal Division.

The court's structure ensures specialized oversight. The Civil Division, led by the Master of the Rolls, hears appeals from various bodies including the High Court, County Court, Family Court, and several specialist tribunals such as those for employment or immigration. Conversely, the Criminal Division is headed by the Lord Chief Justice and handles appeals from the Crown Court and courts-martial. While three members typically decide a case, some decisions may be rendered by only two justices.

Procedurally, the court often operates on a 'rehearing' basis in civil matters, meaning it reviews the existing trial record and judge’s notes rather than recalling witnesses. In criminal cases, while fresh evidence is generally not received, the court maintains discretion to admit it if necessary for justice. Crucially, the Court of Appeal cannot impose a sentence more severe than the original unless specifically referred by the Attorney General due to perceived leniency. Most decisions here are final unless permission is granted to appeal further to the Supreme Court.

The history of this court reflects a move toward legal unification. Before 1875, the system was fragmented into 12 different courts. The Judicature Acts eventually streamlined these into a single Court of Appeal to provide a common system of appeal from all High Court divisions, replacing a chaotic and inconsistent judicial landscape.

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