Remand means sending a case back to a lower court, trial court, or agency for further proceedings.
In plain language, a reviewing court says the case needs more work somewhere else before it can be finished or correctly resolved.
Why it matters
Remand matters because an appeal or review does not always end with a final win or loss. The reviewing court may identify an error, clarify the law, and send the case back so the lower court or agency can apply the ruling.
It also matters in administrative law, where courts may remand agency decisions for a better explanation or new proceedings.
Where it appears
Remand appears in appeals, judicial review of agency action, post-trial motions, sentencing appeals, removal disputes, and appellate opinions.
Practical example
An appellate court decides that the trial court used the wrong legal standard. The appellate court remands the case so the trial court can reconsider the issue under the correct standard.
How it differs from nearby terms
Remand differs from an appeal. An appeal is the review process; remand is one possible result of that review.
It also differs from a judgment, which is a court’s outcome-defining decision.
Related terms
Quick knowledge check
Question: What happens when a case is remanded?
Answer: It is sent back to a lower court or agency for further proceedings.