NALA Certified Paralegal Practice Exam

The term "appeal" refers to the action of challenging a lower court's decision in a higher court. This legal process allows a party that is dissatisfied with the outcome of a trial or legal ruling to seek a review and potential reversal or modification of that decision. The appeal is based on the argument that legal errors were made during the trial that affected its outcome.

In this context, it's important to understand the appellate process, which typically involves submitting legal briefs and may include oral arguments before the higher court. The panel of judges in the appellate court examines the record of the lower court proceedings and assesses whether the law was applied correctly.

The other options pertain to different legal concepts. Settling disputes out of court relates to alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation or arbitration. Filing a complaint against an attorney involves professional misconduct or negligence, while a formal request to change court rules pertains to judicial administration and procedural changes rather than the process of appealing a court decision.