What is the difference between a court of first instance and an appellate court? January 1, 2023 by admin An appellate court hears a matter for the first time, a court of first instance hears an appeal from a previous decision. Nothing as they are the same thing. A court of first instance hears a matter for the first time while an appellate court hears an appeal from a previous decision. All of the above. See Answer A court of first instance hears a matter for the first time while an appellate court hears an appeal from a previous decision.