Circuit Court Civil Appeals: A Brief Primer on Practice and Procedure

"This article provides a brief overview of the general rules and procedures regarding district or municipal court appeals to circuit court under MCR 7.101 through MCR 7.115. This article is not meant to cover the many nuances of the rules and their subparts, and it also does not address criminal or administrative appeals. Appellate practice is a niche practice area, and it requires a different mindset from what is required to litigate a case in the trial court. As I have observed, the trial court is concerned with discerning the facts of a case, whereas the appellate court is concerned with the law and whether the trail court reached the correct decision. Before we go on to cover the rules regarding timing, filing, appeal bonds, briefing, and decisions, one must seriously consider whether pursuing an appeal from an unfavorable district court ruling is worthwhile."

Circuit Court Civil Appeals: A Brief Primer on Practice and Procedure (Page 20-23)