The other day we were chatting with a law student. He asked a question that surprised me: how can the higher court impact the lower court decision. I paused for a moment and realized how broad this topic actually is. In the intertwined structure of the legal system, how the supreme courts affect the lower courts may seem too complicated for most people. But actually, the issue is based a little on human stories. Let’s look at this together, maybe it will be familiar to you too.
The Guidance of the Supreme Court Decisions to the Lower Courts
The decisions made by the high courts are perceived almost like the advice given by a family elder. When an elder tells you, ”This is how it’s done,” like him. The lower courts have to adapt to these decisions. But it’s not just about obedience. Some kind of guidance, some kind of joint action. Let’s say that in a case, the rights of an employee have been violated. If the supreme court makes an important decision here, it will affect not only that case, but all similar cases. Lower courts shape their decisions by taking this decision as an example.
But not everything is so mechanical. The personal perspectives of the judges also come into play. For example, when a young judge reads the supreme court decisions, he sometimes asks, “Well, but why did they think that?” he may question. Even this inquiry in itself contributes to the development of law.
In other words, this process clarifies the rules on the one hand, and opens the door to personal Decrees on the other. This shows that the legal system is constantly evolving like a living organism.
Reversal of Decisions and the Appeal Process
That’s where things get a little complicated. A decision made by a lower court can be overturned by the supreme court. For example, it happened to a friend of mine. He was found right in court, but the other side appealed. The supreme court realized that the lower court had overlooked some legal details and overturned the decision. The whole process has started again. He was so stressed that he kept saying, “Why is it taking so long?” he was asking.
The appeal process is actually kind of like quality control. There may be human-caused errors in the lower courts. The higher courts not only correct these mistakes, but also ensure that such mistakes are prevented in similar cases. For example, if a wrong decision has been made in a traffic accident case, this affects not only the parties, but all similar cases.
The fact that this process is long can sometimes create a feeling that justice is delayed. But we should not forget: the justice system aims at perfection. The high courts also exist to ensure this excellence.
The Evolution of Law: The Social Impact of the High Courts
The decisions of the high courts affect not only the courts, but the entire society. We have seen examples of this many times in the past. Imagine a case about women’s rights. If the supreme court takes a critical decision here, it could be a turning point not only for women, but for the entire society. This is where the real power of the supreme courts lies: to move society forward.
The upper courts occasionally decide boldly. Though initially controversial, these choices help society to evolve toward a better state. When we look back years later, for instance, choices taken on matters like the right to education or equality may make us think “I’m glad this decision was taken”.
Law is not just something written in books. It exists for people and develops thanks to people. The high courts are also at the forefront of this development.
The Psychological Burden of Judges and the Impact of High Courts
Have you ever thought about how much pressure a judge feels when making a decision? Especially if the decisions of the high courts in the past are wandering in his mind. “If I make this decision, will it be appealed?” or “Will the supreme court overturn my decision?” they might think. This pressure can sometimes be creative, sometimes limiting.
But the higher courts do not only put pressure on the lower courts, but also give confidence. The lower courts, under the guidance of the higher courts, take more robust steps. This guidance reduces the rate at which lower courts make mistakes and increases the speed at which justice is delivered.
The judicial profession requires not only legal knowledge, but also human relations and empathy. The supreme courts, in this context, are both a source of trust and a kind of controller of the lower courts.
Editor’s note…
As it can be seen,the answer to the question how can the higher court impact the lower court decision helps us understand not only the legal system, but also society. The high courts play a critical role in the evolution of the law and the provision of justice. The lower courts, on the other hand, are moving forward as part of this system, under the guidance of the higher courts.
Law is not a fixed structure, but a changing mechanism. The decisions of the higher courts determine the direction of this change, while ensuring that the lower courts keep up with this change. The justice system works thanks to this harmony.
We hope that understanding the impact of the higher courts on the lower courts provides a new perspective for both lawyers and those interested in this field. We all need justice, let’s not forget.