Appellee - The party who opposes an appellant's appeal, and who seeks to persuade the appeals court to affirm the district court's decision.⏎
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) - A procedure for settling a dispute outside the courtroom. Most forms of ADR are not binding, and involve referral of the case to a neutral party such as an arbitrator or mediator.⏎
Assume - An agreement to continue performing duties under a contract or lease.⏎
Burden of proof - The duty to prove disputed facts. In civil cases, a plaintiff generally has the burden of proving his or her case. In criminal cases, the government has the burden of proving the defendant's guilt. (See standard of proof.)⏎
Answer - The formal written statement by a defendant in a civil case that responds to a complaint, articulating the grounds for defense.⏎