Definition

Noun: * Appellant: The party who initiates an appeal, formally asking a higher court to review and potentially reverse the decision of a lower court. This term is a formal and somewhat archaic legal synonym for "appellant."

Usage Notes

• This term is primarily used in formal legal contexts, particularly in older case law or specific jurisdictional documents. In modern legal English, "appellant" is the more common and widely understood term.
• It specifically refers to the party dissatisfied with a court's judgment or order. The opposing party in the appeal is typically called the "appellee" or "respondent."

Examples

• plaintiff in error
• plaintiff in error

Advanced Usage

• The term originates from the old common law writs of error, which were formal documents used to commence an appeal. It literally means the plaintiff (the initiating party) in a writ of error proceeding.

Variants and Related Words

• Appellant (n.): The standard modern term for a party who appeals.
• Petitioner (n.): In some courts or types of appeals (e.g., petitions for review), the appealing party may be called the petitioner.
• Appellee (n.): The party against whom an appeal is filed; the respondent in an appellate case.
• Respondent (n.): The party who must respond to the appeal; often synonymous with "appellee."

Synonyms

• Appellant
• Petitioner (in specific contexts)

Antonyms

• Appellee
• Respondent

Noun

1. the party who appeals a decision of a lower court