LibGuides: Legal Writing: Brief Answer Checklist (2024)

FAQs

How to write a brief answer for a legal memo? ›

A solid brief answer should contain two things: (1) your answer to the question(s) presented; and (2) several sentences that provide legally significant facts in support of your answer. The example below illustrates how these parts work together to form a cohesive and complete brief answer.

In legal memoranda, trial motions, and appellate briefs, this role is filled by the question presented. 1 The question presented (or, in some cases, the questions presented) is a crucial part of any legal analysis because it informs the reader of the issues before he or she begins reading your analysis or argument.

The brief answer section of the memo immediately follows the question presented. The conclusion is last. It is best to write the conclusion section first because the conclusion section is more thorough.

Your reply brief should highlight the strength of your case. Focus on the important, winnable issues. Recite only the crucial facts and leading authority supporting your position. Weak arguments undermine your credibility.

The Brief Answer is no longer than a moderate length paragraph. More than one BA: the Brief Answers are numbered and stated under the BRIEF ANSWERS heading. More than one BA: the Brief Answers are listed in the same order as the issues in the Questions Presented (and the Discussion section).

There's no difference in this context. "Brief" means short, but specifically when referring to duration, time, etc. "Short" means many things, but in the context of time, it is synonymous with "brief."

Second, a reply brief should not address every legal argument made by the respondent, no matter how peripheral. Rather, it should concentrate on the key legal issues in the case, not only rebutting the respondent's principal arguments, but also re-emphasizing the appellant's principal arguments.

5 Examples of short, effective legal brief conclusions

1. “For the reasons discussed above, we respectfully request that the court grant our motion for summary judgment.” 2. “In conclusion, the evidence presented clearly demonstrates that our client is not liable for the plaintiff's injuries.

How long should a legal brief be? ›

Length: A legal brief should be one page long and should not exceed this limit, except in the rarest of circum- stances. Thus, the writer must choose wisely which details to focus on and must be sure to include only the essential details of the case in question.

Answer: A Brief Constructed Response (BCR) is a short paragraph written in response to a reading selection or other content area prompt.

A vague "Point, Evidence, Explain" structure should be followed; you should make your initial point, back it up with evidence, and then explain and analyse how this relates to the question.

When drafting an answer, one must: (1) follow the local, state, and federal court rules; (2) research the legal claims in the adversary's complaint; (3) respond to the adversary's factual allegations; and (4) assert affirmative defenses, counterclaims, cross-claims, or third-party claims, if applicable.