At Brownstone Law, we are committed to providing exceptional appellate representation, guiding clients through the complexities of Hawaii’s appellate courts. Our experienced attorneys are well-versed in the nuances of appellate litigation, ensuring that your case is meticulously prepared and presented.

Hawaii Appellate Court System Overview

Hawaii’s appellate system comprises two primary courts: the Intermediate Court of Appeals (ICA) and the Supreme Court.

  • Intermediate Court of Appeals (ICA): As the state’s intermediate appellate court, the ICA reviews appeals from trial courts and certain state agencies. It addresses a wide range of civil and criminal cases, ensuring that legal proceedings and decisions adhere to Hawaii law.
  • Hawaii Supreme Court: Serving as the state’s highest court, the Hawaii Supreme Court has discretionary jurisdiction over cases from the ICA and direct jurisdiction in specific matters, such as election disputes and questions of law reserved by trial courts. The court also oversees the administration of the state’s judicial system.

Caseload and Statistics

The Hawaii State Judiciary publishes annual reports detailing the caseload and activities of its courts. For instance, the 2023 Annual Report Statistical Supplement provides comprehensive data on the number of cases filed, terminated, and pending in both the ICA and the Supreme Court. These statistics offer valuable insights into the workload and efficiency of Hawaii’s appellate courts. citeturn0search2

Rules of Appellate Procedure

Appeals in Hawaii are governed by the Hawaii Rules of Appellate Procedure (HRAP). These rules outline the procedures for filing appeals, including timelines, formatting requirements for briefs, and guidelines for oral arguments. Adherence to these rules is crucial for the successful progression of an appeal. The complete set of rules can be accessed through the Hawaii State Judiciary’s official website.

Process for Appealing a Case

  1. Notice of Appeal: Initiate the appeal by filing a notice of appeal with the clerk of the court where the judgment or order was entered, typically within 30 days after the entry of the judgment or order.
  2. Record on Appeal: The appellant is responsible for ensuring that the record on appeal, including transcripts and relevant documents, is prepared and transmitted to the appellate court.
  3. Briefs: The appellant submits an opening brief outlining legal arguments and alleged errors in the trial court’s decision. The appellee responds with an answering brief, and the appellant may file a reply brief if necessary.
  4. Oral Argument: In some cases, the court may schedule oral arguments, allowing attorneys to present their positions and answer judges’ questions.
  5. Decision: After reviewing the briefs and the record, and hearing oral arguments if held, the court will issue a written opinion, which may affirm, reverse, or remand the case.

High-Profile Cases

Hawaii’s appellate courts have presided over several notable cases:

  • Nelson v. Hawaiian Homes Commission (2012): This case addressed whether the state was fulfilling its constitutional duty to sufficiently fund the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that beneficiaries could sue the state for sufficient funding, leading to increased appropriations in subsequent years.
  • State v. Armitage (2017): In this case, the Hawaii Supreme Court vacated a man’s conviction for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, ruling that the police officer’s roadblock was unconstitutional. This decision clarified the standards for lawful police roadblocks in the state.

Contact Information

Hawaii Supreme Court

  • Address: Aliʻiōlani Hale, 417 South King Street, Honolulu, HI 96813
  • Phone: (808) 539-4919
  • Website: Hawaii Supreme Court
  • Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 7:45 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Coordinates: 21.3069° N, 157.8583° W

Intermediate Court of Appeals

  • Address: Aliʻiōlani Hale, 417 South King Street, Honolulu, HI 96813
  • Phone: (808) 539-4920
  • Website: Intermediate Court of Appeals
  • Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 7:45 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Coordinates: 21.3069° N, 157.8583° W

Brownstone Law: Your Appellate Advocates

At Brownstone Law, we are committed to providing exceptional federal appellate representation. Our experienced attorneys are prepared to advocate for your interests effectively. For more information or to discuss your case, visit our website or contact us directly.