appeal
uh-PEEL
/əˈpiːl/
(verb) Apply to a higher court for a reversal of the decision of a lower court. (noun) An application to a higher court for a decision to be reversed.
In law, it's a formal process to challenge a court's decision. Outside of law, it means to be attractive or to make an earnest request.
The story behind the word. The word 'appeal' comes from the Old French 'apeler,' meaning 'to call, to accuse, to appeal.' This is derived from the Latin 'appellare,' which means 'to address, to call upon, to appeal to.' In a legal sense, it literally means to 'call upon' a higher court or authority to review and potentially reverse a decision made by a lower court.
Word relationships
- petition: A petition is a formal written request, which can be part of an appeal process but is not the appeal itself.
- challenge: To challenge is to dispute the truth or validity of something, a broader term than 'appeal' in a legal sense.
- uphold: To confirm or maintain a decision, rather than reverse it.
- affirm: To confirm a judgment or order of a lower court.
Commonly confused with
- request: An 'appeal' in a legal context is a formal application to a higher court to review and reverse a decision. A 'request' is a general term for asking for something.
Word family
- appellate (adjective): of or relating to appeals.
- appellant (noun): a person who applies to a higher court for a reversal of the decision of a lower court.
Collocations
- file an appeal
- win an appeal
- lose an appeal
- court of appeal
- appeal a decision
Idioms & expressions
- appeal to reason
Example sentences
- "After being found guilty, the defendant immediately announced his intention to appeal the conviction to a higher court." Describing the legal process of challenging a decision.
- "The lawyer filed an appeal, citing several procedural errors made during the original trial." Using the noun form to refer to the legal action.
Memory hook
To 'APPEAL' is to 'APPLY' to a higher court for a better 'DEAL'. APPLY for better DEAL
When not to use
Do not use 'appeal' in a legal context if you mean a general request; it specifically refers to challenging a court decision.
Fun facts
- Not all court decisions can be appealed; there are specific grounds required.
- The highest court in many countries (like the Supreme Court in the U.S.) is primarily an appellate court.
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