Standard of review

What standard of review means

In practice, you will see standard of review in pleadings, motions, orders and court rules. The definition above explains the general meaning. Even so, the meaning can shift with context. Therefore, always read it alongside the rule or document where it appears.

Where standard of review comes up

For example, the term appears in these procedures:

• Notice of Appeal (Fed. R. App. P. 3, 4(a)): the filing that starts an appeal from a federal district court to a court of appeals.

How to research the term

To research standard of review, begin with the rule, statute or contract where the word is used. Each one can give it a slightly different meaning. Then compare that text with how courts in your area have applied it. Also check the local rules of your court, since they can add requirements. If your case is in state court, the state rules control. So start with our state procedures guide to find them. In the end, always confirm that the source you rely on is current.

You can read the official rule text online for free.

Related legal terms

• Final judgment: a judgment that ends the litigation on the merits and leaves nothing for the court to do but execute it. Most appeals can be taken only from final judgments.
• Appeal: a request that a higher court review a lower court's decision for legal error.
• Appellant: the party who appeals.
• Appellee: the party responding to an appeal.
• Notice of appeal: the document that starts an appeal.

Why precise terms matter

Courts read legal terms closely. As a result, knowing the exact meaning of a word helps you follow orders, rules and filings. Each glossary entry on Lawtopolis is short on purpose and links to the pages where the term is used.