Asking a higher court to review and change a decision you think was wrong.
What it means
An appeal is a request to a higher court to review a decision of a lower court or tribunal, usually on the basis of an error of law or fact. Australia's tiered system allows appeals upward, for example from a Local Court, to higher courts and ultimately, in limited cases, the High Court of Australia. Appeals are generally not a fresh trial; they focus on identified errors. Strict time limits apply, and leave (permission) is sometimes required.
How it's used
Believing the magistrate misapplied the law, he lodged an appeal within the 28-day time limit.
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