Brief

A brief is a written argument submitted to the court. Lawyers often prepare briefs which highlight and clarify certain information or provide legal comparisons in an attempt to persuade the courtroom to rule in favor of that lawyer’s client.

While briefs are primarily prepared by the lawyers working on any given case, high profile supreme court or appellate court cases may inspire third parties to submit amicus briefs. Amicus briefs are briefs prepared by people with strong interests in the outcome of the decision and function similar to trial briefs.

"a written argument concentrating upon legal points and authorities (ie, precedents) used by the lawyer to convey to the court (trial or appellate) the essential facts of his or her client's case, a statement of the questions of law involved, the law that should be applied and the application that he or she desires made of that law by the court. The brief is submitted in connection with an application, motion, trial or appeal.""