Appeals: What is a Civil Appeal?

A civil appeal refers to a legal process through which a party requests a higher court to review a decision made by a lower court in a civil case, and is generally filed by civil lawyers in Sri Lanka. Civil appeals are distinct from criminal appeals, which involve cases where the government prosecutes individuals for violating laws.

Here are some common reasons why someone might pursue a civil appeal:

·         Errors of Law: If the lower court judge made a mistake in interpreting or applying the law relevant to the case, an appeal can seek to correct that error.

·         Errors of Fact: According to litigation lawyers in Sri Lanka, appeals can also be based on claims that the lower court made factual errors in understanding or evaluating the evidence presented in the case.

·         Procedural Errors: Appeals can be based on procedural mistakes made by the lower court, such as errors in admitting or excluding evidence, procedural irregularities, or failures to follow proper legal procedures.

·         Substantial Injustice: If a party believes that the lower court's decision resulted in a significant injustice or unfairness, an appeal can be pursued to seek a different outcome.

·         Challenge to Legal Principles: Sometimes, appeals are pursued not just to reverse a specific decision but to challenge broader legal principles or interpretations that were applied in the case.

·         Improper Conduct: If there was improper conduct or bias on the part of the judge or any parties involved in the lower court proceedings, an appeal may be necessary to address these issues.

·         New Evidence: In some cases, new evidence that was not available or known during the lower court proceedings may justify an appeal, particularly if it could potentially alter the outcome of the case.

Appeals involve a thorough review of the trial court record by appellate judges, who assess whether errors were made and whether those errors affected the outcome of the case. Successful appeals can lead to the original decision being overturned, modified, or in some cases, sent back to the lower court for a new trial or reconsideration.

Civil appeals process in Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, the civil appeals process involves several stages and procedures that are governed by the country's legal framework. Here is an outline of how civil appeals typically proceed in Sri Lanka:

1.      Filing Notice of Appeal

·         Time Limit: Generally, the appellant (the party appealing through civil or corporate lawyers in Sri Lanka) must file a Notice of Appeal within 14 days from the date of the judgement or order they are appealing against. This time limit can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the court involved.

·         Contents: The Notice of Appeal must specify the grounds on which the appeal is being made, i.e., the legal or factual errors alleged in the lower court's decision.

2.      Appeal Paper Book

·         Compilation: After filing the Notice of Appeal, the appellant compiles an Appeal Paper Book. This book contains all relevant documents from the lower court proceedings, including pleadings, judgements, orders, transcripts of evidence, and other relevant materials.

3.      Filing the Appeal

·         Submission: The Appeal Paper Book, along with written submissions outlining the appellant's arguments, is filed with the Court of Appeal of Sri Lanka.

4.      Preparation and Filing of Respondent's Submissions

·         Response: The respondent (the opposing party) then has a period to file their written submissions in response to the appeal.

5.      Oral Hearing

·         Presentation: The Court of Appeal schedules an oral hearing where both parties present their arguments before a panel of appellate judges.

·         Deliberation: The judges may ask questions and seek clarification on various aspects of the case during the hearing.

6.      Judgement

·         Decision: After considering all arguments and evidence presented, the Court of Appeal delivers its judgement. This judgement may affirm, reverse, or modify the lower court's decision based on the merits of the appeal.

7.      Further Appeal

·         Supreme Court: In certain cases, there may be a possibility of further appeal to the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, particularly if the case involves significant legal issues or if the parties believe there are further grounds for appeal.

Additional Points:

·         Legal Representation: Parties involved in civil appeals in Sri Lanka often engage legal counsel to navigate the complexities of appellate procedures and arguments.

·         Court Proceedings: The appellate process in Sri Lanka emphasises the review of legal errors and adherence to procedural fairness, ensuring that appeals are decided based on the law and evidence presented.

·         Costs and Fees: Like in many jurisdictions, there are costs associated with filing appeals and obtaining legal representation, which parties need to consider.

The civil appeals process in Sri Lanka aims to provide a fair and impartial review of lower court decisions, ensuring that justice is served based on the merits of each case.

How to find a good civil lawyer to handle your appeal

Finding a competent civil lawyer from one of the best law firms in Sri Lanka to handle your appeal requires careful consideration and research. Here are steps you can follow to find a good civil lawyer for your appeal:

1.      Identify Potential Lawyers

·         Referrals: Ask friends, family members, or colleagues who have been involved in legal matters for recommendations. Personal referrals can provide insights into the lawyer's competence and professionalism.

·         Bar Associations: Contact local bar associations or law societies. They often have referral services that can connect you with qualified lawyers specialising in civil appeals.

·         Online Directories: Use online lawyer directories to search for civil lawyers in your area who specialise in appeals.

2.      Evaluate Experience and Expertise

·         Specialisation: Look for lawyers who specialise in civil appeals specifically. An experienced appellate lawyer will have a deeper understanding of appellate procedures and strategies.

·         Track Record: Research the lawyer's track record with appeals. Look for information on successful cases they have handled and their experience in similar types of appeals.

3.      Consider Reputation and Reviews

·         Online Reviews: Read client reviews and testimonials on the lawyer's website or third-party review sites. This can give you insights into their reputation and how they interact with clients.

·         Peer Recommendations: Consider lawyers who are recognised by their peers or legal organisations for their expertise and professionalism.

4.      Consultation and Interview

·         Initial Consultation: Many lawyers offer initial consultations for free or at a reduced fee. Use this opportunity to discuss your case and assess the lawyer's knowledge, approach, and communication style.

·         Ask Questions: During the consultation, ask specific questions about their experience with civil appeals, their strategy for your case, and their assessment of the potential outcomes.

5.      Consider Communication and Compatibility

·         Communication Style: Choose a lawyer who communicates effectively and keeps you informed about the progress of your appeal. Clear communication is crucial for a successful attorney-client relationship.

·         Compatibility: Trust your instincts regarding how comfortable you feel with the lawyer. A good working relationship is important for navigating the complexities of an appeal.

6.      Fee Structure

·         Discuss Fees: Understand the lawyer's fee structure upfront. Some lawyers charge hourly rates, while others may work on a contingency basis or offer flat fees for appeals. Clarify any additional costs related to the appeal process.

·         Fee Agreement: Ensure that you have a written fee agreement that outlines the scope of services and the fee arrangement.

7.      Verify Credentials

·         Licence and Credentials: Ensure that the lawyer is licenced to practice law in your jurisdiction. Verify their credentials and check if there are any disciplinary actions against them.

8.      Trust Your Instincts

·         Trustworthiness: Ultimately, choose a lawyer whom you trust and feel confident in their abilities to handle your appeal effectively.

By following these steps and conducting thorough research, you can find a skilled civil lawyer who is well-suited to handle your civil appeal with competence and dedication.