Appellant: meaning, definitions and examples
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appellant
[ əˈpɛlənt ]
legal context
An appellant is a person who applies to a higher court for a reversal of the decision of a lower court. In legal terms, the appellant seeks to challenge the decision that has been made in a case they were involved with, typically because they believe an error was made that affected the outcome. The appellant initiates the appeal process, which involves submitting legal arguments as to why the original ruling should be reconsidered. This process is fundamental to the judicial system, allowing for checks and balances on judicial decisions.
Synonyms
applicant, claimant, plaintiff, seeker.
Examples of usage
- The appellant filed a motion to appeal the verdict.
- As the appellant, she presented her case before the appellate court.
- The court granted the appellant's request for a new trial.
- He was the appellant in the landmark case that changed the law.
Translations
Translations of the word "appellant" in other languages:
🇵🇹 apelante
🇮🇳 अपीलकर्ता
🇩🇪 Rechtsmittelsteller
🇮🇩 pemohon banding
🇺🇦 апелянт
🇵🇱 apelant
🇯🇵 控訴人
🇫🇷 appelant
🇪🇸 apelante
🇹🇷 temyiz eden kişi
🇰🇷 항소인
🇸🇦 المستأنف
🇨🇿 odvolatel
🇸🇰 odvolateľ
🇨🇳 上诉人
🇸🇮 pritožnik
🇮🇸 kæri
🇰🇿 апеллянт
🇬🇪 აპელანტი
🇦🇿 apellyasiya edən
🇲🇽 apelante
Etymology
The word 'appellant' has its origins in the Latin term 'appellare', which means 'to call upon' or 'to name'. It was adopted into Middle English from the Old French 'apelant', which refers to one who appeals. In legal terminology, its use became more established in the late 16th century as the appeal process became a critical aspect of judicial systems. The transition from informal calling to a formal legal procedure reflects the evolving nature of justice and rights within societies. As courts grew in structure and complexity, so too did the language surrounding them, solidifying terms like 'appellant' into common legal vernacular.