What is “de novo” review in a Texas appeal?

In a Texas appeal, the “standard of review” is the standard by which the trial court’s decision is reviewed. In a “de novo” standard of review, the court of appeals is not supposed to give any deference to the trial court judge’s decision. “De novo” is Latin and translates literally to “from the beginning.” When the “de novo” standard applies, the court of appeals should review the case from scratch, as if the trial court judge had not already decided the matter.

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