Which statement best describes Affirm in an appellate context?

• A. The trial court's decision is upheld on appeal
• B. A judgment entered on the agreement of the parties
• C. The case is remanded for new trial
• D. A post-judgment motion

Answer: (A)

Affirm means the appellate court leaves the trial court’s ruling in place, finding no reversible error. When an appeal is filed, the higher court reviews the record for mistakes that would change the outcome. If none are found, the decision is affirmed, or upheld, on appeal. That’s exactly what the option describing the trial court’s decision being upheld on appeal conveys.

The other descriptions don’t fit affirm. A judgment entered on the agreement of the parties refers to a consent or stipulation judgment, not an appellate determination. Remanding for a new trial means sending the case back to the trial court for another trial, which is different from affirming. A post-judgment motion is something filed in the trial court after judgment, not an appellate ruling.