What is the role of the respondent in an appeal?

In an appeal, the respondent is the party who responds to the appeal filed by the appellant. This role is crucial because the respondent is tasked with addressing the claims and arguments presented by the appellant, and making their case as to why the original decision should be upheld. By submitting their response, the respondent provides the appellate court with their perspective, legal reasoning, and any relevant counterarguments to support the original ruling.

This process ensures that both sides are represented in the appellate proceedings, allowing for a fair assessment. The respondent does not file the initial complaint, present new evidence, or act as the judge. Instead, their primary responsibility is to engage in the appellate process by providing a formal response to the issues raised by the appellant, which is vital for the court's decision-making.