Final answer:
Both state and federal appellate courts are similar in that they both hear cases on appeal from lower courts and review both civil and criminal matters, shaping legal precedent through their decisions.
Step-by-step explanation:
How State and Federal Appellate Courts Are Similar:
The state and federal appellate courts are similar in several ways, but the most significant similarity is that both hear cases from lower courts (option a). This is their primary function; they do not have original jurisdiction but rather appellate jurisdiction. Unlike trial courts, which may involve juries, appellate courts generally consist of panels of judges who review the application of law from the trial courts.
It's essential to note that both the state and federal appellate courts do not necessarily hear all cases brought to them. Instead, they select cases that have significant legal questions or where there might have been legal errors in the lower courts' proceedings. Appellate courts at both levels hear both criminal and civil cases (option c of the reference information), and they play a crucial role in shaping legal precedent. Decisions in these courts are binding on lower courts within their jurisdiction, and they can interpret laws and the Constitution very broadly.