1 The process to seek and obtain a review and reversal by a court of a lower court's decision. 2 The process to seek and obtain a review and reversal of an administrative decision by a court or by a higher authority within the administrative agency. See also certiorari, notice of appeal, trial (trial de novo), and writ of error. appeal (as of) (by) right.An appeal in which a court or administrative agency must review the decision that is sought to be reversed. appeal by permission. An appeal ...