What does it mean to "affirm" in a legal context?

To "affirm" in a legal context refers to the act of upholding a decision or ruling made by a lower court or a previous decision. This means that a higher court reviews the case and determines that the previous ruling was correct and should remain in effect. Such an affirmation supports the original outcome and indicates that the legal reasoning applied in that ruling is sound and acceptable within the jurisdiction's law.

This term is commonly used in appeals, where a party is seeking to challenge a lower court's ruling, and when the appeals court affirms the decision, it signifies that the original court's conclusion is maintained. Understanding this term is crucial for anyone involved in legal proceedings, as it influences the interpretation and application of the law in future cases.