Who is referred to as the appellant in an appeal?

In the context of an appeal, the term "appellant" specifically refers to the party who takes an appeal from one court to another. This party initiates the appeal process by contesting the decision made by a lower court, seeking to have it overturned or modified. The appellant believes that errors were made during the original proceedings that impacted the outcome, and their aim is to have a higher court review the case to correct those perceived errors.

Understanding this role is essential in the appellate process, as it establishes the dynamic between the parties involved. The appellant usually presents arguments and evidence to support their claim that the earlier ruling was incorrect, while the other party, often referred to as the appellee or respondent, defends the original decision.

The other potential roles—such as the winner of the original case, the provider of evidence, or the overseeing judge—describe parties or figures involved in the legal process but do not define the appellant's specific function in an appeal. The appellant's focus is solely on seeking justice through the appellate court system.