The Problems of Appellate Courts

Abstract

Courts of review have now become highly specialized parts of our justice system. This was not the case in the earlier history of state and federal judicial systems. During the greater part of the period between 1818 and 1848 the Supreme Court of Illinois was composed of judges who did trial work as well. When Connecticut, in 1806, separated judicial functions from those of the executive and legislative departments, provision was made that the judges of the superior court (the trial court) should constitute the Supreme Court of Errors. During a long period under the federal system, justices of the United States Supreme Court went upon circuit.