How does appellate jurisdiction differ from original jurisdiction for federal courts? A. Appellate jurisdiction applies in cases where no legal precedent currently exists. B. Appellate jurisdiction applies to cases that have already been tried by lower courts. C. Appellate jurisdiction applies only in cases that are classified as civil. D. Appellate jurisdiction may only be applied in federal courts for criminal cases.

The correct answer is: **B. Appellate jurisdiction applies to cases that have already been tried by lower courts.** **Explanation:** - **Appellate Jurisdiction:** This refers to the power of a higher court to review and potentially revise the decision of a lower court. It **only applies to cases that have already been tried** in lower courts, allowing the appellate court to examine whether there were any legal errors that could have affected the outcome. - **Original Jurisdiction:** This is the authority of a court to hear a case for the first time, as opposed to reviewing a lower court's decision. Courts with original jurisdiction handle the initial proceedings, such as trials, where evidence is presented and witnesses testify. **Why the other options are incorrect:** - **A.** Appellate jurisdiction is not specifically about cases lacking legal precedent. It is about reviewing decisions from lower courts regardless of precedent status. - **C.** Appellate jurisdiction is not limited to civil cases; it also encompasses criminal cases. - **D.** Appellate jurisdiction in federal courts applies to both criminal and civil cases, not just criminal ones. Understanding the distinction between appellate and original jurisdiction is fundamental to comprehending how the federal court system operates, ensuring that there are checks and balances in the judicial process. **Answer:** B. Appellate jurisdiction applies to cases that have already been tried by lower courts.