In what context would "de novo" typically be applied in legal proceedings?

The term "de novo" is a Latin phrase that means "from the beginning" or "anew." In legal proceedings, it typically refers to a scenario where a case is started afresh, without regard to previous rulings or findings. For instance, when a court reviews a case de novo, it considers the matter anew, as if it were being examined for the first time, without being bound by the conclusions or legal determinations of lower courts.

This concept is particularly relevant in appellate courts when they look at legal questions or issues that were previously decided, but they have the authority to evaluate the matter from scratch without deference to the preceding decision. Thus, the correct answer accurately captures the essence of how "de novo" is applied in legal contexts, emphasizing the idea of beginning anew in the assessment of the case.