Iowa Code 814.12 – Appeal by the state

Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
state: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the territories, and the words "United States" may include the said district and territories. See Iowa Code 4.1

An appeal taken by the state does not stay the operation of a judgment in favor of the defendant, nor does an application for discretionary review.

LawServer