A legal appeal is a formal request to a higher court to review a lower court's decision. The party that files an appeal is called the appellant, and the other party is the appellee. 

The purpose of an appeal is to convince the higher court that the lower court's judgment was incorrect. The higher court will only review matters that were argued in the lower court, and new evidence cannot be presented. 

Notice of appeal: The appellant files a notice of appeal after the lower court's judgment is entered into the record.

• Transcripts: The appellant requests transcripts or other records of the trial court.

• Briefs: The appellant files briefs with the appeals court, citing legal reasons for overturning the ruling.

• Responsive brief: The appellee usually files a responsive brief countering the appellant's arguments.

• Final brief: The appellant can counter the appellee's response with a final brief.

• Argument: Either party can argue the case before the appeals court.