As noted here:
Sometimes a judge simply enters a verdict with no real substantive explanation whatsoever, despite the fact that a judge is supposed to write an opinion making the findings of fact and reaching the conclusions of law necessary to support the verdict.
My vague understanding of appellate law is that a timely notice of appeal compels a judge to make a written answer containing those findings. Is that correct?
Are there practical reasons that the appeals process can't or shouldn't be used to elicit proper support of judicial verdicts?