rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryappellateReview of court decisions
adjective

appellate

uh-PEL-it/ʌpˈɛlɪt/

Relating to the review of lower-court decisions.

The appellate judges examine the lower court’s case file.

An upper court panel reviews a lower court case file, diverse judges and no readable writing.
Etymology
appellLatinaddress, appeal to
+ateLatinpast-participle ending

The Latin verb concerns addressing or appealing to someone, and its participial form supplied this adjective. In law, that appeal is a call to a higher court, so appellate courts review lower courts’ decisions.

In context

First Alert 60:34
WHAT WE DO AND WHAT WE DON'T DO IS ALWAYS A MATTER OF, IF WE LOSE THIS CASE, FOR THE APPELLATE COURT.
Accused Killer Wants to Suppress Evidence

More examples

  • She specialized in appellate advocacy.
  • The brief set out the issues for appellate review.
  • The appellate judges asked about the trial record.

Forms

appellate

appeal noun — a request for a higher court to review a decision

Similar words

judicial
Judicial concerns courts generally; appellate specifically concerns review on appeal.