Who is referred to as the respondent in a court appeal case?

In a court appeal case, the term "respondent" is used to identify the party that responds to the appeal. This party is typically the one who prevailed in the lower court's ruling, and they are tasked with defending that decision during the appeal process. The appellants, or those filing the appeal, are challenging the lower court's ruling, so the respondent is the opposing party that is seeking to uphold the original judgment. This is a crucial distinction in legal terminology, as it helps clarify roles within the context of an appeal, ensuring that all parties understand who is defending the lower court's decision and who is contesting it.

Understanding this terminology is fundamental in legal education and practice, as it establishes a clear framework for how appeals are structured and how the parties involved interact within the legal system.