Appellant vs. Applicant — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 2, 2024
Appellant refers to a party appealing a court decision, while an applicant is someone applying for something, such as a job or permit.
Difference Between Appellant and Applicant
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An appellant is a person or entity that challenges the decision of a lower court in a higher court, seeking a reversal or modification of the decision. On the other hand, an applicant refers to an individual or group applying for a position, status, or resource, which typically does not involve a judicial context.
The role of an appellant arises only after a decision has been made by a court, which the appellant believes to be erroneous or unfair. Whereas an applicant is involved at the preliminary stage of a process, such as job application or college admission, seeking to gain something.
An appellant's involvement is predominantly seen in legal contexts, especially in appellate courts where they argue that legal errors affected the trial’s outcome. Meanwhile, applicants are common in various fields such as employment, education, and administrative proceedings, dealing with submissions and requests.
In the case of appellants, the process is formal and involves legal briefs, records of previous court proceedings, and adherence to strict procedural rules. On the other hand, applicants often engage in filling out forms, providing personal information and qualifications, and sometimes undergoing interviews or tests.
Appellants must demonstrate how the lower court’s decision was incorrect based on legal grounds, which involves a detailed understanding of the law. Conversely, applicants must showcase their qualifications, suitability, and sometimes creativity, depending on what they are applying for, without the need for legal arguments.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Someone who appeals a court decision
Someone applying for a position or permit
Context
Legal, particularly in appellate courts
Employment, education, grants, etc.
Stage of Involvement
After a court decision
Initial stage of application
Requirements
Must demonstrate a legal error in prior ruling
Must demonstrate qualifications
Process
Formal, involves legal proceedings
Often involves forms, interviews, tests
Compare with Definitions
Appellant
A litigant in an appeal.
As the appellant, he was required to submit the appeal record.
Applicant
A candidate for a position or opportunity.
The applicant impressed the interview panel with his answers.
Appellant
A party that formally challenges the decision of a court.
The appellant filed a brief arguing that the trial court had excluded vital evidence.
Applicant
An individual filing for a permit or license.
The applicant must submit proof of residency for the application.
Appellant
Someone pursuing relief from a judicial decision.
The appellant sought to change the wrongful conviction.
Applicant
A person who applies for a job, school, or grant.
The applicant updated her resume to include recent experience.
Appellant
A petitioner in an appellate court.
The appellant's lawyer presented new findings to the panel.
Applicant
Someone seeking formal approval or admission.
Each applicant was given a number for the audition.
Appellant
One who seeks to overturn a lower court’s ruling.
The appellant argued her case before the appellate court.
Applicant
A contender in a competitive process.
The applicant for the scholarship had excellent recommendations.
Appellant
One who appeals a court decision.
Applicant
One that applies, as for a job.
Appellant
(law) of or relating to appeals; appellate
Applicant
One who applies for something; one who makes a request; a petitioner.
Our job advertisement attracted seven applicants.
Appellant
In the process of appealing
Applicant
A party who initiates legal proceedings against another party.
Appellant
(law) a litigant or party that is making an appeal in court
The appellant made her submissions to the court.
Applicant
The third coordinate (or z-coordinate) in a three-dimensional coordinate system.
Appellant
One who makes an earnest entreaty of any kind.
Applicant
One who apples for something; one who makes request; a petitioner.
The applicant for a cup of water.
The court require the applicant to appear in person.
Appellant
(obsolete) One who challenges another to single combat.
Applicant
A person who requests or seeks something such as assistance or employment or admission
Appellant
(historical) One of the clergy in the Jansenist controversy who rejected the bull Unigenitus issued in 1713, appealing to a pope "better informed", or to a general council.
Appellant
Relating to an appeal; appellate.
Appellant
One who accuses another of felony or treason.
Appellant
A challenger.
Appellant
One who appealed to a general council against the bull Unigenitus.
Appellant
One who appeals or entreats.
Appellant
The party who appeals a decision of a lower court
Appellant
Of or relating to or taking account of appeals (usually legal appeals);
Appellate court
Common Curiosities
Can an appellant be an applicant?
Yes, if the appellant is applying for something unrelated to their appeal, they can also be an applicant.
What is required from an appellant?
Appellants need to prove that the initial court ruling was flawed based on legal grounds.
What does an applicant do?
An applicant applies for something like a job, university admission, or a permit.
What is an appellant?
An appellant is someone who appeals against a court's decision in a higher court.
What must applicants provide?
Applicants need to submit relevant documents and sometimes undergo tests or interviews.
What’s the difference between an appellant and an applicant in terms of process?
Appellants engage in a legal process, while applicants go through administrative or evaluative processes.
Where do appellants submit their appeals?
Appellants submit their appeals in appellate courts.
Who decides the outcome for an appellant?
A panel of judges typically decides on an appellant's case.
Who reviews applicants' submissions?
Depending on the context, it could be HR managers, admissions officers, or licensing boards.
Can anyone become an appellant?
Only those with standing in a legal case and a verdict to challenge can become appellants.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
