What does the legal term "Appellant" signify?

The term "Appellant" refers specifically to a person or party who is appealing a court's decision. In legal contexts, when a party is dissatisfied with the outcome of a trial or a decision made by a lower court, they may seek to have that decision reviewed by a higher court. The individual or party initiating this appeal is known as the appellant. This designation is crucial because it reflects the party's active role in challenging the court's ruling and seeking a different outcome.

In contrast, the other options highlight different roles or outcomes within the legal system. For instance, the party that loses a case is typically termed the "appellee" when the winner of the original case defends against an appeal. A witness is someone who provides testimony in court proceedings, and a lawyer representing the state is often referred to as the prosecutor or district attorney. Thus, "appellant" specifically captures the essence of someone who is engaging in the appellate process after an unfavorable ruling.