appellee

Appellee is the party against whom the appeal is filed and responds to and defends the appeal. The appellee is also referred to as the respondent . In contrast, the appellant is the party who appeals a lower court 's judgment or order to a higher court. The appellant is dissatisfied with the outcome of the proceeding and seeks review by a higher court to overturn or modify the decision . In some courts, it is also referred to as a petitioner .

For example: P sues D and wins. D files an appeal. D is the appellant, and P is the appellee. If D wins the lawsuit and P files an appeal, the roles are reversed. P becomes the appellant and D is the appellee.

See also Appellate Procedure .

[Last reviewed in July of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team ]

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