What does "de novo" mean in legal terms?

In legal terms, "de novo" translates to "from the beginning." This phrase is commonly used to indicate that a court is reviewing a case anew, without relying on previous rulings, findings, or decisions. For instance, if a case is appealed, the appellate court may decide to evaluate the issue de novo, meaning it will assess the situation as if it is being presented for the first time. This approach allows the appellate court to consider the case without the bias of prior conclusions.

As for the other interpretations, while a new trial may involve starting over, the term "new trial" has a specific procedural meaning and does not encapsulate the broader meaning of completely starting from the beginning. Likewise, "regarding new evidence" refers to a specific aspect of the trial process rather than the overarching notion of re-evaluating a case entirely. "A fresh start" could imply a new opportunity but lacks the precise legal connotation that "de novo" carries in the context of judicial review.