What does "De Novo" mean in legal terms?

In legal terms, "De Novo" refers to a new trial, meaning that the case is heard again, as if for the first time, without regard to the previous court’s decision or legal conclusions. This term is often used in appeals when a higher court reviews the case and examines the facts and evidence anew, rather than simply reviewing the prior court's findings. In this context, it allows for a fresh examination of the issues and can lead to a different outcome based on the same evidence, as if the case had not been previously adjudicated.

Options such as "new evidence," "new witness," and "new judgment" do not accurately capture the essence of "De Novo," which centers around the concept of re-evaluating the entire case rather than focusing on specific new elements introduced after an initial ruling.