Language & WorldHow it works
How a verdict is reached and when it becomes final.
A court of first instance hears witnesses, weighs evidence and rules. The losing side can usually appeal: a higher court then re-examines facts and law. After that, often only a further appeal on points of law remains, checking for legal errors without re-trying the evidence. A judgment becomes final only when no deadline is left or all instances are exhausted.
Useful: A verdict in the news is rarely the last word; appeal deadlines are short, often a month.
Source: en.wikipedia.org