What is meant by "trial de novo"?

"Trial de novo" refers specifically to a retrial that is conducted by an appellate court, essentially starting the case anew rather than simply reviewing the previous court's decision. This type of trial is typically applied in situations where a party disputes a ruling made in a lower court and seeks to have the case reconsidered with no reliance on the prior trial's findings. The appellate court does not limit itself to the evidence presented in the original trial; instead, it can hear new evidence and arguments as if the original trial had never occurred.

In this context, a retrial allows both parties the opportunity to present their cases afresh, ensuring that any mistakes made in the initial hearing can potentially be corrected. The key aspect of a trial de novo is its comprehensive review, which grants the court the capacity to arrive at a new verdict based on the full circumstances of the case.

The other options presented do not capture the true essence of what "trial de novo" means. A summary judgment pertains to decisions made without a full trial, a trial in a different jurisdiction involves different legal considerations, and mediation is an alternative dispute resolution method rather than a formal trial.