What is a 'notice of appeal'?

A notice of appeal serves as a formal document that signifies a party's intention to challenge a decision made by a lower court. This document is critical in the appellate process as it notifies the court and the opposing party that an appeal is forthcoming, outlining the specific decision being appealed.

By filing a notice of appeal, the appellant begins the process of seeking a review of the lower court's ruling, which can involve various legal grounds such as misapplication of the law, procedural errors, or issues of fact. Importantly, the notice must adhere to certain timelines and specific requirements set out by court rules to be valid and to ensure that the appeal can proceed. It essentially lays the groundwork for the appellate court's review.

The other options refer to different legal documents or concepts that are unrelated to the act of appealing a court decision. For example, the document filed to commence a case is typically known as a writ or a statement of claim, while a notice for potential jurors pertains to jury selection, and a fee schedule relates to the costs associated with court proceedings. None of these roles align with the purpose of a notice of appeal.