Who is referred to as the appellant in legal proceedings?

In legal proceedings, the term "appellant" refers specifically to the party who initiates an appeal to a higher court. This party seeks to have a decision made by a lower court reviewed and potentially overturned. The appellant is usually dissatisfied with the outcome of their case in the original court and argues that there were errors in the application of the law or in the procedure that warrant a different outcome.

For example, if a defendant is found guilty in a criminal case and believes that there were significant legal mistakes made during the trial, they can file an appeal, thus becoming the appellant. This process is an essential aspect of the judicial system, as it allows for the correction of errors and the pursuit of justice.

The other roles mentioned in the options do not align with the definition of an appellant. The party being appealed against is known as the appellee, while the judge is responsible for making legal decisions in the trial court, and court officials manage the procedural aspects of cases but do not hold the title of appellant. Understanding these distinctions clarifies the role of the appellant in the appellate process.