§ 12.2 Standard of Review Determines The Way The Appellate Court Will Analyze The Case

• Jurisdiction: Washington

§12.2 STANDARD OF REVIEW DETERMINES THE WAY THE APPELLATE COURT WILL ANALYZE THE CASE

The standard of review is the method the appellate court uses to identify its role in deciding a particular issue on review. Standards of review range from the least deferential standard of review, with the appellate court engaging in the same inquiry as the trial court and reviewing the trial court decision de novo, to the much more deferential standard of review, with the appellate court granting considerable latitude or deference to the trial court and reversing only if the trial court has manifestly abused its discretion by deviating substantially from an acceptable range of decisions.

Appellate counsel should keep in mind the applicable standards of review in evaluating, briefing, and arguing issues on appeal. Unlike the...