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The function of an appeal in the legal system is to modify a previous court's decision. When a party believes that a legal error adversely affected the outcome of their trial, they can file an appeal to a higher court. This higher court reviews the records of the lower court's proceedings to determine if the law was applied correctly and whether the decision should be upheld, reversed, or modified.

Appeals serve as an essential check on the legal process, allowing for potential corrections of errors in judgment or procedure, and ensuring that individuals receive fair treatment under the law. This process is critical for maintaining the integrity of the judicial system and providing a mechanism for redress.

Other functions listed, such as summoning a defendant to court, formally accusing someone of a crime, or arresting a suspect, do not align with the purpose of an appeal. Those actions pertain to different stages of the legal process, such as pre-trial procedures or law enforcement activities. An appeal specifically focuses on the review and possible alteration of judicial decisions made in prior court cases.