What does the term "appellee" refer to in legal terminology?

In legal terminology, the term "appellee" specifically refers to the party who responds to an appeal. When a case is taken to a higher court, the party that won in the lower court is known as the appellee. This individual or group defends the decision made by the lower court, arguing that it should be upheld.

Understanding this term is essential in the context of legal proceedings, especially during the appeals process, as it designates the party that is not seeking to overturn the previous ruling but rather to maintain it. This role is crucial in appellate court proceedings where both parties present their arguments regarding whether the decision made in the lower court was appropriate.

The other choices do not accurately define the term "appellee." The original party who files a complaint is known as the plaintiff, while the individual who provides bail relates to the bail agent or surety. Meanwhile, a party seeking to enforce a bail bond does not pertain to the context of an appeal and therefore does not fit the definition of appellee.