DC Appeal & Case Stated
Criminal Appeals
A person who is convicted of an offence enjoys a right of appeal to a higher court. District Court convictions may be appealed to the Circuit Court. Circuit Criminal Court Special
Criminal Court and Central Criminal Court convictions may be appealed to the Court of Appeal (formerly the Court of Criminal Appeal). There is the possibility of a further right of appeal on an important  point of law to the Supreme Court.
District Court Appeal
In the case of the District Court, there may appeal against the sentence only. Alternatively, there may be a full appeal with a full rehearing in the Circuit Court. An appeal to the Circuit Court is a new hearing. In this case, the Circuit Court sits without a jury.
There is a right to  appeal to the Circuit Court in criminal cases against most District Court decisions. It does not apply, however,  to an order returning a person for trial (to the Circuit Court), binding a person to the peace or good behaviour or both.
The Appeal must generally be taken within 14 days. The time limit may be extended with the consent of court. A recognisance is usually required as security for prosecuting the appeal.
Rehearing on Appeal
Where the appeal is taken only in relation to sentence either as stated in the notice of appeal, or as later limited at the appeal, the Circuit Court rehears the case only to the extent necessary to determine the issue of sentence. The  District Court clerk transmits the papers in the case to the Circuit Court office.
After the rehearing the Circuit Court, may confirm, overturn or change the District Court decision / order. The Circuit Court cannot impose a sanction greater than that  allowed under the District Court jurisdiction. The Circuit Court’s determination is final and it’s not subject to further appeal. It can be subject to judicial review. See generally the section on judicial review.
Case Stated
Separate from an  appeal, three is a possibility of a case stated from the District Court to the High Court. There are two types of case stated. They involve references of distinct points of law for the opinion of the High Court.
After hearing by the District Court, either party, if dissatisfied with the decision as erroneous in law may apply in writing within 14 days to the Court to state and sign a case, setting out the facts for  determination of the opinion of the High Court.. The determination of the District Court may be suspended, in certain circumstances, subject to conditions.
There is separate jurisdiction for the District Court to refer a case stated during proceedings. The District Court shall make the reference, unless it considers the matter frivolous. Once again, the point of law is referred to the High Court for determination. An appeal lies with the consent of the High Court to the [Supreme Court] from the High Court determination.
Case Stated in Circuit Court
A Circuit Court judge may on the application of the parties in any matter, other than certain appeals by a rehearing, may refer matters of law to the Court of Appeal for by way of case stated. The Court gives a decision on the point referred.
Where a person has been acquitted on indictment, the Attorney General or DPP may without prejudice to the verdict refer a question of law to the Court of Appeal for determination. The question is settled by the Attorney General or DPP after consultation with the trial judge concerned as appropriate.
The Court of Appeal hears arguments by the DPP, the acquitted person if he wishes to be heard or assigned counsel. The acquitted person’s name may be kept anonymous unless he agrees to the use of his name.