De novo review means the appellate court reviews a legal question without deferring to the lower court's legal conclusion.
Why this standard matters
The standard of review often determines how strongly an appellate court re-examines a particular issue. De novo review is typically associated with legal interpretation questions.
How this differs from other standards
- De novo: no deference to legal conclusions.
- Clear error: deferential review of factual findings.
- Abuse of discretion: deferential review of discretionary decisions.
Practical reading tip
When reviewing appellate briefs or opinions, identify the standard-of-review section first. It often frames the rest of the analysis.
This article is educational only and not legal advice.