[header] How to appeal a civil case [title] Appeal after the lower court makes its final judgment. [step] An appeal is not a retrial or a new trial of a case, and appellate courts do not usually consider new witnesses or evidence. There is no jury. 
Instead of one judge presiding over the case, appellate courts consist of a panel of several judges (usually three) who will hear your appeal. [substeps] An appeal may only take place after the lower court has issued its final ruling.