De Novo Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term De Novo.

De Novo (adverb/adjective, Latin)

Definition: "From the beginning." This term is most commonly associated with court cases or trials that are redone or reconsidered as if no previous trial or decision has been made. Usually occurs in situations where a lower court's decision is appealed.

Example -

If the case is evaluated "de novo," the previous judgment will not influence the new trial and everything begins afresh.