Which type of court is primarily responsible for making legal precedent?

The primary responsibility for making legal precedent rests with appellate courts. Appellate courts review decisions made by trial courts to determine whether legal errors occurred that could affect the outcome of a case. In doing so, they interpret statutes, regulations, and case law, thereby establishing legal principles that can be followed in future cases.

When an appellate court issues a decision, it becomes part of the legal framework and can be cited as precedent in subsequent cases. This principle is known as "stare decisis," which means that courts should follow established precedents when making rulings in similar cases.

While trial courts are essential for applying the law to specific circumstances, they do not create binding legal precedent. Instead, their decisions can be appealed to appellate courts, where precedents may then be established or clarified. The U.S. Supreme Court does make significant precedents, but it's important to recognize that appellate courts at various levels contribute to the body of case law that influences legal outcomes across many jurisdictions. This is why the correct response highlights the role of appellate courts specifically in precedent-making.