Judges in federal appellate courts determine whether

a case should be heard in federal court.
a defendant is innocent or guilty.
a lower court made an error in a case.
a case should go to the supreme court.

The third alternative is correct (C).

The appeals courts and appeals are another instance of judgment that allows defendants to appeal for a possible review of the decision. It is a democratic way of guaranteeing the broad right of defense, since the court can review the previous conviction. This prevents any errors or partiality of the judges.

d. it adversely affected american productivity