The defendant filed an appeal against the judge's decision.

a request for a decision to be reviewed or reconsidered, often in a legal context
The appeal was denied by the court.
She made an appeal for help.
His appeal was successful.
file an appeal
lodge an appeal
win an appeal
plea
request
entreaty
The lawyer will appeal the judge's decision.

To make a serious or urgent request, typically for a decision or judgment.
She will appeal for help.
They appeal to the public.
He decided to appeal.
appeal a decision
appeal for help
appeal to reason
request
plead
implore