Reply briefs

The reply brief must be (relatively) short, (relatively) punchy, and selective.

Contents of a brief

Briefs must contain the following elements:

Writing the brief

Draw up a skeleton plan

Before writing your opinion, you should draw up a skeleton plan. It is a false economy to start by going straight into writing an opinion without drawing up a skeleton, as you will often find that you miss something out or get confused and have to start again. You should never have to waste time writing an opinion out twice. The properly planned opinion will be right on first attempt. However, this does not preclude the necessity of editing.

Preparing to write a brief

A brief is a legal document prepared by a party to the Court. It contains information on the facts of the case, the legal issues to be decided, the law the Court ought to apply, and the decision the party desires the Court to reach.