Brief Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Brief, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Brief?

(n) Brief is the summery statement containing the foundation of arguments, counter arguments, facts of the case, law applicable to the case etc which provides an overall and handy representation to the judge or the persons concerned about the case or issue.

History and Definition of Brief

A brief is a legal document that contains a summary of a party's argument or case. It is an essential tool in legal proceedings as it serves as a guide for the judge or other relevant parties about the arguments and laws that pertain to the case. A brief usually includes an introduction, facts of the case, applicable laws, and a conclusion. The origin of briefs can be traced back to the medieval period when scholars used it as a way to summarize arguments and laws for efficient communication with other scholars.

Examples of Brief

  1. A defense brief filed in a criminal case detailing the legal arguments supporting a defendant's request for acquittal.

  2. An appellate brief submitted in an appeal of an administrative judge's determination by a whistleblower.

  3. An amicus brief submitted by a third party with the goal of influencing the outcome of a case by presenting a unique insight or argument.

Legal Terms Similar to Brief

Some legal terms related to briefs include:

  1. Memorandum: A written legal document serving as a means of communication within the same organization or between different authorities, explaining and defining a legal position.

  2. Petition: A document submitted to a court requesting legal action or redress for the person who submitted it.

  3. Pleading: A document submitted to a court indicating a plaintiff or defendant's legal position on an issue.