The court of appeals decision usually will be the final word in the case, unless it sends the case back to the trial court for additional proceedings, or the parties ask the U.S. Supreme Court to review the case. ... Different types of cases are handled differently during an appeal.

What court decisions are final?

When the Supreme Court rules on a constitutional issue, that judgment is virtually final; its decisions can be altered only by the rarely used procedure of constitutional amendment or by a new ruling of the Court. However, when the Court interprets a statute, new legislative action can be taken.

Are tribunal decisions legally binding?

Tribunal panels include tribunal judges, who are legally qualified, as well as non-legal specialists called tribunal members. The decisions made by a tribunal are legally binding, therefore if a fine or costs are awarded against one party, these are legally enforceable. ...