brief legal definition

A written statement prepared by a lawyer and submitted to the court that outlines the pertinent facts of the case, the questions of law to be decided, the position of the lawyerÂ’s client as to those questions, and the legal arguments and authorities (for example, statutes and appellate court decisions) that support that position. See also memorandum.

The brief submitted by an amicus curiae. Also called brief amicus curiae.

A brief submitted when the case is on appeal.

A brief that responds to the arguments previously raised in an opponentÂ’s brief.

A brief usually submitted just before a trial.