An appeal is not a new trial. The appeal court reviews the decision and record under the applicable statutory standards. The route depends on where the case was decided and what is being appealed.
Primary legislation and official process sources checked October 5, 2026. Criminal law and court procedure can change; verify the current source before relying on a provision or deadline.
Which court hears the appeal
Summary conviction matters can follow a different route from indictable appeals, and Nova Scotia's Court of Appeal hears criminal appeals from lower courts within its jurisdiction.
- summary conviction appeal
- Court of Appeal
- Supreme Court of Canada leave
Grounds of appeal
Potential grounds can concern errors of law, unreasonable verdicts, miscarriages of justice, sentence errors or other appealable decisions.
- conviction appeal
- sentence appeal
- Crown appeal
Notice and deadlines
Appeals are deadline-sensitive and require the correct notice and court rule.
- notice of appeal
- extension of time
- service
The appeal record
An appellate court generally works from the trial or hearing record rather than hearing the case again from scratch.
- transcripts
- appeal book
- factum
Possible outcomes
Depending on the appeal, the court may dismiss it, order a new trial or hearing, change an order, substitute a verdict where authorized, or alter sentence.
- dismissal
- new trial
- changed order or sentence
Official and authoritative sources
- Justice Canada — Criminal Code
- Courts of Nova Scotia — Court of Appeal
- Courts of Nova Scotia — Supreme Court forms