What term describes a person who files an appeal in a legal case?

The term that refers to a person who files an appeal in a legal case is "appellant." This individual is typically a party that is dissatisfied with a decision made by a lower court and is seeking a higher court's review of the case. The process of appealing is essential in the legal system as it provides a mechanism for oversight and correction of potential errors that may have occurred during the initial trial.

In legal terminology, an appellee is the party opposing the appeal, usually the one who won at the lower court level. The defendant is the person accused or sued in a legal proceeding, and while all defendants could potentially become appellants if they appeal a decision, not every defendant is an appellant as it depends on whether they choose to challenge the ruling. A litigant is a broader term that encompasses any party involved in a lawsuit, including both plaintiffs and defendants, but it does not specifically refer to someone who files an appeal. Therefore, "appellant" is the most accurate term for the person who initiates an appeal.