postappeal

Postappeal refers to the period, actions, and procedures that occur after an appeal has been filed or after an appellate decision has been issued, depending on the jurisdiction. In common usage, it describes the set of post‑judgment or post‑appeal steps that determine whether a lower court ruling stands, is modified, or is overturned on grounds of errors of law or fact.

In civil and criminal procedure, the postappeal phase typically includes the appellate court's review process, which may involve the preparation and submission of briefs, possible oral argument, and the issuance of an appellate decision. After a decision, parties may pursue postappeal relief such as motions for rehearing or reconsideration, requests for remand to the trial court for further proceedings, or, in some systems, new trials. Some jurisdictions also allow petitions for writs of certiorari or other extraordinary remedies to higher courts during the postappeal period.

Enforcement of an appellate ruling is a key component of postappeal activity. Once the appellate court issues its mandate or remand order, the implementation of the decision typically proceeds, sometimes under stay conditions or with instructions to adjust lower‑court judgments. The exact steps and timelines vary widely by jurisdiction and case type.

Variations by jurisdiction exist: some systems treat postappeal matters as distinct from postjudgment relief, with separate deadlines and standards, while others integrate them into a unified post‑appeal framework. Common elements across jurisdictions include consideration of the standard of review, the availability of relief, and the procedural requirements for preserving rights on appeal. See also appeals process, remand, rehearing, stay, and certiorari.