APPELLEE

Definition of APPELLEE

APPELLEE Noun and Adjective

Appellee is primarily a noun, but it can also function attributively (similar to an adjective) in legal contexts to describe actions, documents, or roles associated with the party responding to an appeal. As a noun, it refers to the person or party who opposes an appeal in court, seeking to uphold the original decision. When used attributively, it modifies nouns related to the appeal process, such as appellee brief or appellee argument.

APPELLEE as a noun

Appellee is a noun used in legal contexts to refer to the party in a case who responds to an appeal made by the appellant. The appellee is the person or entity who has won in the lower court and seeks to uphold that decision in the appellate court. Essentially, the appellee is the defending party in the appeal process, arguing that the decision made by the lower court was correct and should remain unchanged.

Legal Context and Role: In legal terms, the appellee is the party who stands in opposition to the appellant‘s appeal. When a case is appealed, the appellant argues that the decision made by the lower court was incorrect and should be reversed or modified, while the appellee argues that the lower court’s decision should be affirmed. In this context, the appellee defends the original ruling, asserting that no legal errors were made that warrant a change in the decision. The appellee may submit briefs, provide evidence, and make oral arguments before the appellate court to persuade the judges to uphold the lower court’s decision.

Appeal Process: The role of the appellee is crucial in the appellate process. While the appellant seeks a modification or reversal of the decision, the appellee is responsible for showing that the lower court’s judgment was legally sound. The appellee does not typically introduce new evidence or revisit facts from the original trial; instead, they focus on arguing that the law was applied correctly. The appellee’s goal is to convince the appellate court that the lower court’s decision should stand and that the appeal made by the appellant does not merit a change in the judgment.

Broader Use: While the term appellee is primarily used in legal contexts, it can also be applied more generally to describe the party defending a decision or ruling in any scenario where an appeal is made. For instance, in some administrative or organizational processes, the appellee would be the person or entity that is attempting to have an earlier decision maintained or upheld in the face of an appeal.

APPELLEE as an adjective

Though appellee is predominantly used as a noun, it can also serve as an adjective in certain legal phrases. For example, “appellee brief” refers to the document filed by the appellee outlining the reasons why the appellate court should affirm the lower court’s decision. Similarly, “appellee arguments” would refer to the oral or written arguments presented by the appellee in an appeal. As an adjective, appellee is used to describe anything related to the party defending the lower court’s decision in an appeal.

In conclusion, the appellee is the party who defends a decision in a legal appeal, seeking to maintain the outcome of the lower court’s ruling. Their role is essential to the appeal process, ensuring that the original decision is scrutinized and confirmed if it was made correctly. Whether in legal, administrative, or broader contexts, the appellee works to uphold the integrity of the initial judgment and resist changes sought by the appellant.

Examples of APPELLEE in a sentence

APPELLEE as a noun in a sentence

• The appellee argued that the lower court’s decision should be upheld, citing previous case law.
• The judge ruled in favor of the appellee, affirming the original verdict from the trial court.
• The appellee presented their case with the aim of convincing the appellate court that no errors had been made in the trial.
• During the appeal, the appellee maintained that the initial ruling was fair and just.
• The appellee contended that the appellant’s claims were without merit and should be dismissed.
• The appellee submitted a brief outlining the reasons for supporting the decision of the trial court.
• The appellee was satisfied with the decision and did not seek any further action from the higher court.
• In this case, the appellee emphasized that the appellant’s appeal did not present new or substantial evidence.

APPELLEE as an adjective in a sentence

• The appellee argument focused on the validity of the trial court’s decision, asserting that no errors had occurred.
• In the appellee brief, the defense emphasized that the initial ruling was supported by strong evidence.
• The appellee side maintained that the verdict should remain unchanged and that the appeal was without basis.
• During the appellee presentation, the lawyer highlighted key points that supported the trial court’s judgment.
• The appellee case was carefully reviewed by the higher court to ensure the original ruling was sound.
• The appellee legal team argued that the appellant’s appeal lacked merit and should be denied.
• The appellee counsel prepared a detailed response to counter the appellant’s claims of an unfair trial.
• The appellee attorney submitted a concise rebuttal, emphasizing the correctness of the lower court’s decision.

Origin of APPELLEE

The term appellee has a specific legal etymology, reflecting its role within the context of appeals in the judicial system.

Semantic Context: An appellee refers to the party in a legal case who is responding to an appeal. In other words, the appellee is the party that has won at the lower court level and is seeking to uphold the decision when the case is appealed to a higher court.

• Etymological Roots: The word appellee comes from the French “appeler,” meaning “to call” or “to summon,” which in legal terms refers to the act of appealing a decision. The suffix “-ee” indicates the party to whom something is done, forming a term for the person who is the recipient of the appeal.
• Historical Development: The term appellee entered English legal usage in the early 19th century. It arose in the context of the French legal tradition, where the term “appelant” referred to the party initiating an appeal and “appellee” referred to the party defending the appeal. This distinction was adopted in English and other legal systems to maintain clarity in the appellate process.
• Cultural and Legal Applications: In legal contexts, the appellee is critical in the appeals process, where the role of defending the lower court’s ruling is emphasized. The appellee must argue that the decision of the lower court was correct, whereas the appellant is the party seeking to overturn that decision. The term is essential in distinguishing the parties involved in an appeal and ensuring proper legal procedures.
• Current Usage: Today, appellee remains a term exclusively used in legal contexts. It is found in cases involving appeals, where it refers to the party who responds to the appeal, typically the one who prevailed in the lower court. The usage of the term is restricted to appellate law and is used in civil and criminal cases when decisions are challenged in higher courts.

The term appellee reflects the evolution of legal language, transitioning from its French origins into English legal terminology to define the party defending an appeal. It plays a crucial role in ensuring clarity within the appellate process.