What is the role of an appellant in a court case?

The role of an appellant in a court case is to apply for a reversal of a lower court's decision. An appellant is typically a party that has lost in a lower court and believes there were errors in the decision-making process that warrant a review by a higher court. This process involves filing an appeal, where the appellant presents their case, often highlighting legal mistakes or procedural issues that could have affected the outcome of the original ruling. The higher court then reviews the record of the lower court's proceedings, hears arguments, and ultimately decides whether to uphold or reverse the decision.

Understanding the role of an appellant is essential in the context of the legal process, as it highlights the system of checks and balances in the judiciary, allowing individuals to seek redress for perceived injustices. The other roles mentioned, such as representing a defendant, acting as a witness, or serving as a juror, are distinct responsibilities within the legal framework that do not pertain to the specific function of an appellant in appealing a court's decision.