Is there such a thing as an appeal in Jewish law, or are rulings issued by Jewish courts absolutely final?
Answer
There are appeals, but only in some cases:
From the pasuk containing וְנָקִי וְצַדִּיק אַל-תַּהֲרֹג, we learn that you do not punish an acquitted person- even if we find out he is not righteous. We also do not punish a righteous man, even if he wasn't acquitted. Sanhedrin 33b
So in punitive cases, guilty verdicts may be appealed (by anyone, not just the defendant). Not-guilty verdicts may not be appealed.
Monetary cases can be appealed (by anyone) under certain circumstances, while in others, the judge may or may not be liable for his misjudgment. The halachos and disputes therein are complex and I haven't seen them for a few years, so I won't try to summarize. You can find them in Shulchan Aruch C.M. 25.
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