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Simple English definitions for legal terms
brief
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A quick definition of brief:
A brief is a written argument that lawyers give to the court. It helps the court understand important information and legal comparisons so that they can make a fair decision. Sometimes, other people who care about the decision can also write a brief called an amicus brief. This is like a trial brief and helps the court understand why the decision is important to them.
A more thorough explanation:
Brief
A brief is a written argument that lawyers submit to the court. It is used to highlight and clarify important information or provide legal comparisons to persuade the court to rule in favor of their client. Third parties may also submit amicus briefs in high profile cases to express their strong interests in the outcome of the decision.
- A lawyer preparing a brief for a client who was wrongly accused of a crime.
- A group of environmental activists submitting an amicus brief in a case involving a company accused of polluting a river.
The first example illustrates how a lawyer would use a brief to argue their client's case in court. The second example shows how third parties can also use briefs to express their opinions and interests in a case.