Appellant
An appellant is the party who asks an appellate court to review a lower court's decision. The appellant argues that the lower court made a reviewable error and requests a remedy, such as reversal or a new proceeding. The opposing party is often called the appellee, though terminology can vary by court and stage of review.
An appellant is the party who asks an appellate court to review a lower court’s decision. The appellant argues that the lower court made a reviewable error and requests a remedy, such as reversal or a new proceeding. The opposing party is often called the appellee, though terminology can vary by court and stage of review.
Example: In Kelo v. City of New London, property owners challenged the lower courts’ decisions upholding the city’s eminent-domain plan as the case moved through appellate review.
Common misconception: An appellant is always the person who started the original lawsuit. Either side may appeal a decision that adversely affects it, subject to applicable rules.
Sources: https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/court-role-and-structure; https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USREPORTS-545/pdf/USREPORTS-545-469.pdf