What is meant by "appeal" in civil law?

In civil law, an "appeal" specifically refers to the process where a party requests a higher court to review and potentially alter or overturn the decision made by a lower court. This mechanism is a fundamental aspect of the judicial system, allowing for oversight and the correction of possible errors in legal reasoning or procedural issues that may have affected the outcome of the initial trial.

When a party appeals, they are seeking a reassessment of the case, which can lead to various outcomes such as affirming the original decision, modifying it, or possibly ordering a new trial if significant discrepancies are found. This process is crucial for upholding justice and ensuring that rights are protected, as it provides a pathway for addressing grievances against judicial rulings.

The other options do not accurately capture the legal definition of an appeal. A request for a retrial suggests initiating a completely new trial rather than reviewing an existing decision, while a recommendation for settlement implies a suggested resolution outside of court proceedings. A declaration of mistrial refers to a trial that cannot proceed due to a significant error or issue, rather than the appellate review of a decision. Thus, the concept of appeal is distinct in its role and function within civil law.