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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Brandeis brief
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A quick definition of Brandeis brief:
A Brandeis brief is a type of legal document, usually used in appeals, that includes not only legal arguments and citations, but also social and economic studies. It is named after Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis, who famously used this type of brief in a case where he successfully argued for a maximum ten-hour workday for women.
A more thorough explanation:
A Brandeis brief is a type of legal brief that includes social and economic studies in addition to legal principles and citations. It is usually used in appellate cases.
The brief is named after Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis, who filed the most famous Brandeis brief in Muller v. Oregon. In this case, he used social and economic studies to persuade the Court to uphold a statute setting a maximum ten-hour workday for women.
For example, a lawyer might use a Brandeis brief in a case involving discrimination in the workplace. The brief could include studies on the economic impact of discrimination and how it affects individuals and society as a whole. This information could help persuade the court to rule in favor of the plaintiff.