What is meant by "appeal" in civil cases?

In civil cases, an "appeal" refers to the legal process where a party that is dissatisfied with a decision made by a lower court seeks a review and potential change of that decision by a higher court. This process allows an appellate court to examine the case records from the lower court, consider legal arguments presented by both parties, and determine if there were errors in the application of the law or procedural issues that could have affected the outcome of the trial.

The appeal is a critical aspect of the judicial system as it provides a mechanism for ensuring that justice is served and that the rights of the parties involved are protected. It can address issues such as incorrect interpretations of law, the admissibility of evidence, or other legal missteps that may have occurred during the initial trial.

In contrast, options that mention filing a complaint against a judge, settling out of court, or mediation describe different legal concepts that do not pertain to the formal process of appealing a court decision. These options reflect different pathways available in the legal system, but they are unrelated to the standard definition of an appeal in civil cases.