What is one reason for establishing a court hierarchy?

Establishing a court hierarchy serves several important functions within the legal system, and one significant reason for this hierarchy is to allow for judicial review by appellate courts of decisions made by lower courts.

In a court hierarchy, lower courts handle a wide range of cases, including those involving minor offenses and disputes. However, if a party believes that a legal error occurred in a lower court's decision, they have the right to appeal to a higher court. Appellate courts review these decisions to ensure that the law was applied correctly and that procedural fairness was upheld. This mechanism is essential for maintaining the integrity and consistency of the law, as appellate courts can correct errors, interpret laws, and set precedents that guide lower courts in future cases.

This process promotes a system of checks and balances within the judiciary, ensuring that no single court or judge is the final arbiter of the law without the opportunity for reconsideration. Such a structure enhances the rule of law, upholds justice, and protects individual rights.

The other options do not accurately reflect the purposes of a court hierarchy. The idea of having all decisions made by the highest court misleadingly undermines the role of lower courts and would lead to inefficiencies. Preventing local courts from having