Question

Find an example of a case. Explain the purpose of the appeal. Provide the rationale the court utilized to reach an outcome and what was the outcome.

Answer 1

Example: Kelly Caudell v Flint Community Schools, Genesee County Circuit Court Case No. 12-97415-CL (Hon. Geoffrey L. Neithercut)

The case was between Ms. Kelly Caudell and Flint community school. The charge was sexual harassment. She was a teacher who was the victim of sexual harassment.

Purpose of appeal

An appeal is a process where a case is reviewed in order to clarify the interpretations of the law. It is requested for a formal change in the official decision taken by a court. It is claimed by people most of the times in higher courts appealing to overturn the decision of a lower court. Appeals are presented to a judge whereas trials are presented to a jury. Each party will be allocated time to brief about their stand on the appeal. It involves oral argument where the presiding judge questions and asks opinions of the lawyers involved. A formal opinion will be given out after the review of the appeal.

Rationale

The court's rationale in the Kelly Caudell v Flint Community Schools case was the trauma that the victim endured over the course of tenure at the school as a teacher. There was enough evidence that suggested turmoil and caused mental agony to Kelly Caudell due to the nature of harassment. It was important for the country to know that sexual crimes are not tolerated, no matter where they take place.

The outcome was that Kelly Caudell had to be compensated for her loss - both mental and physical trauma by paying her 600,000 dollars in lieu of the harassment.