Trial de novo

Means “new trial.”  In mandatory arbitration, after the parties receive the award or decision, a party not satisfied with the award may appeal by filing a request for a trial with the Superior Court.  The request must be made within twenty (20) days of the award being filed with the court.  No reference to or information from the previous arbitration hearing or award from it can be presented at the trial.  A trial De Novo in Superior Court can also occur when a party appeals a District Court trial result.