Section 427 - Powers of Appellate Court

Appellate powers to reverse or alter convictions and sentences, subject to protections against unnotified sentence enhancement.

Appellate powers permit dismissal of an appeal if no sufficient ground exists, or reversal and corrective measures: from acquittal, directing further inquiry, re trial, commitment for trial, or finding guilt; from conviction, acquitting, ordering re trial or commitment, altering findings or changing sentence (but not enhancing it); in enhancement appeals, reversing, ordering re trial, altering findings, or changing sentence including enhancement or reduction. The Court may alter other orders and make consequential amendments, but may not enhance sentence without the accused having an opportunity of showing cause and may not inflict greater punishment than the original court could impose.