Appellant: A Comprehensive Guide to Legal Appeals

Definition & Meaning

An appellant is a person or entity who challenges a decision made by a lower court or authority by filing an appeal. This process involves requesting a higher court to review and potentially overturn the ruling. The individual or entity against whom the appeal is filed is known as the appellee.

Table of content

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A homeowner loses a property dispute in a local court. Believing the judge made an error in interpreting the law, the homeowner files an appeal to a state appellate court.

Example 2: A defendant is convicted of a crime and believes that their trial was unfair. They decide to appeal the conviction to a higher court for review. (hypothetical example)

State-by-state differences

State Appeal Process Overview
California Appeals must be filed within 60 days of the judgment.
Texas Appellants have 30 days to file an appeal after a final judgment.
New York Appeals must be filed within 30 days, but specific rules apply for different types of cases.

This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition
Appellant The party who files an appeal.
Appellee The party against whom the appeal is filed.
Appeal The process of seeking a higher court's review of a lower court's decision.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you find yourself in a position where you need to appeal a court decision, consider the following steps:

  • Review the decision carefully to identify grounds for appeal.
  • Consult with a legal professional to understand your options and the appeal process.
  • Explore US Legal Forms for templates that can help you prepare necessary documents.
  • Be mindful of deadlines for filing your appeal.

Quick facts

  • Typical filing deadlines range from 30 to 60 days, depending on the jurisdiction.
  • Appeals are generally heard by appellate courts, not trial courts.
  • There may be fees associated with filing an appeal.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

The appellant is responsible for filing the appeal and presenting their case to the higher court.