Bankruptcy courts can now appeal directly to courts of appeals thanks to the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005. This change aims to make the process more efficient by reducing delays and costs. However, this direct appeal provision does not apply to bankruptcies filed before October 17, 2005. The Seventh Circuit has ruled that this limitation is strict, meaning even if both parties agree, a pre-October 17, 2005 case cannot be directly appealed to the court of appeals.