What recourse is available to a defendant if they believe mistakes were made during the trial?

When a defendant believes that mistakes were made during their trial, the most appropriate recourse is to file an appeal. An appeal allows the defendant to challenge the decision of the trial court and request a higher court to review the case for legal errors that may have affected the outcome.

The appeal focuses on the application of the law and procedures adhered to during the trial, rather than re-examining the facts of the case. This review can highlight procedural errors, improper admission of evidence, or incorrect jury instructions that may have influenced the verdict. If the appellate court finds significant errors, it can reverse the verdict, order a new trial, or modify the judgment.

In contrast, the other options like reversal of verdict and retrial can be outcomes of a successful appeal rather than direct actions a defendant can take. Review is a term that may refer to the process of the higher court examining the case but is not a formal avenue specifically available to the defendant. Therefore, appealing is the standard method for any party, including defendants, to contest issues arising from a trial.