Courts and procedure
Trial de novo
A new trial of a case from the beginning, as if an earlier decision, such as a nonbinding arbitration award, had not been made.[1][2]
In more detail
In Florida's court-ordered nonbinding arbitration, the arbitration decision becomes final unless a party requests a trial de novo in time; a party who asks for one and does much worse at trial may have to pay the other side's costs and fees.[1] In the Northern District of California's arbitration program, either party may reject the award and request a trial de novo.[2]
Varies by state
Deadlines and cost-shifting rules differ by state and court. Find your state’s rules.
Related terms
- Nonbinding arbitrationArbitration in which the arbitrator's decision doesn't bind the parties unless they agreed in advance that it would; it serves as a basis for further settlement talks or becomes final if no one rejects it in time.
- AwardThe decision an arbitrator or arbitration panel issues after hearing both sides.
- AppealA request by a party that lost on one or more issues asking a higher court to review whether the decision was correct.
- Voluntary trial resolutionA Florida process in which the parties agree in writing to have their civil dispute decided by a trial resolution judge, a Florida Bar member in good standing for more than five years, instead of going through ordinary litigation.
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Sources
The official documents this definition is based on, with the date we last read each one. Definitions are in our own words.
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Cite this page
MediationList. (2026, October 28). Trial de novo: Definition. https://mediationlist.com/glossary/trial-de-novo/
APA 7th ed. A retrieval date is included only for pages whose content changes, such as maps, data and tools.