The doctrine of lis pendens, which means "pending suit" in Latin, is a legal principle that applies in certain situations to prevent the transfer of property while a lawsuit is pending. The purpose of this doctrine is to maintain the status quo and prevent parties from taking actions that could render the lawsuit ineffective or undermine the court's authority to decide the dispute.

The correct answer, option 'B', states that the doctrine of lis pendens applies when a transfer of property is made after the decree of the trial court but during the pendency of an appeal. Let's examine why this is the correct answer.

Explanation:

Transfer during the pendency of an appeal:
When a trial court issues a decree, it is a final judgment that determines the rights and obligations of the parties involved in the lawsuit. However, either party may choose to file an appeal to a higher court to challenge the trial court's decision. During the pendency of the appeal, the trial court's decree is not yet final, and the parties are still actively litigating their dispute.

The doctrine of lis pendens recognizes that a pending appeal can potentially result in the modification or reversal of the trial court's decree. To safeguard the effectiveness of the appeal and prevent any harm to the parties' rights, the doctrine prohibits the transfer of property during this period. This means that any transfer made after the trial court's decree but before the appeal is concluded will be subject to the final outcome of the appeal.

Reasoning behind the application of lis pendens:
The application of lis pendens in this context serves several purposes:

1. Maintaining the status quo: By preventing the transfer of property during the pendency of an appeal, the doctrine ensures that the property remains in the possession of the parties involved in the lawsuit. This preserves the subject matter of the litigation and prevents any changes that could potentially render the appeal moot or affect the relief sought.

2. Protecting the appellate process: The doctrine of lis pendens safeguards the integrity of the appellate process by preventing parties from engaging in actions that could undermine the appeal or render it ineffective. If property could be freely transferred during the appeal, it could lead to situations where one party disposes of the subject matter of the dispute, making it impossible for the appellate court to grant effective relief.

3. Avoiding conflicting judgments: If a transfer of property were allowed during the appeal, it could result in conflicting judgments. For example, if the trial court awards the property to one party, but during the appeal, the property is transferred to another party, it could lead to two conflicting ownership claims. The doctrine of lis pendens prevents this confusion by preserving the status quo until the appeal is resolved.

In conclusion, the doctrine of lis pendens applies when a transfer of property is made after the decree of the trial court but during the pendency of an appeal. This application ensures that the status quo is maintained, protects the appellate process, and avoids conflicting judgments.