In the context of criminal appeals, what does it mean if a case is "overturned"?

In the context of criminal appeals, when a case is described as "overturned," it means that the initial ruling made by a lower court is changed or revoked by a higher court. This typically occurs when the appellate court finds that the lower court made an error in its judgment, whether due to incorrect application of the law, procedural irregularities, or other significant issues that affected the outcome of the trial. As a result, the appellate court can issue a new decision that differs from the original ruling, thereby overturning it.

This process is crucial because it allows for the correction of injustices and ensures that legal standards are upheld in the judicial system. The correct answer captures this important aspect of appellate review, where the higher court's authority is exercised to reassess and alter the initial decision based on its findings.