Who is the person filing the appeal in a court case?

The person filing the appeal in a court case is referred to as the appellant. This term is specifically used to identify the party who is dissatisfied with a court decision and seeks a higher court's review to contest that decision. The appellant believes that errors were made in the legal proceedings or the final judgment and is taking steps to rectify that through the appeals process. This is a crucial concept in the legal system, as it allows for checks and balances on judicial decisions, ensuring that justice is pursued if a party feels wronged.

In contrast, the defendant is the individual being accused or sued in the original court case, while the respondent refers to the party who answers the appeal, typically the one who won in the lower court. The judge, on the other hand, is the official overseeing the case and making rulings based on the law, rather than actively participating as a party in the case itself. Understanding these roles is essential in grasping how the appellate process functions within the legal system.