A legal appeal is a process in which a party seeks a higher court's review of a lower court's decision. This can occur in various legal matters, such as criminal cases or civil disputes. The appealing party, known as the appellant, argues that the lower court made a legal error that affected the outcome of the case. During an appeal, the higher court, often called an appellate court, examines the records from the original trial and considers written arguments from both sides. The appellate court may uphold, reverse, or modify the lower court's ruling, ensuring that justice is served according to the law.