A brief is a written legal document filed in a litigation or arbitration dispute resolution proceeding in which a party to the dispute recites the facts and the law applicable to the dispute and explains to the court or arbitrator why the party should prevail in the dispute. Courts often have rules regarding the page limits and format for briefs, as well as the method for filing briefs (usually electronically) and delivery of a copies to other parties to the litigation.
In Florida, a brief is a critical document in litigation or arbitration that presents a party's argument, outlining the facts of the case, the relevant law, and the reasons why the court or arbitrator should rule in favor of the party submitting the brief. Florida courts have specific rules regarding the preparation and submission of briefs, which can be found in the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure for appellate cases, and in local rules for trial-level courts. These rules typically dictate the format, length, and style of the briefs, as well as the procedures for electronic filing (e-filing) and service of the briefs on other parties involved in the litigation. For example, the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure provide detailed instructions on the content, form, and length of briefs, including font size, margin requirements, and page limits. It is essential for parties to comply with these rules to ensure that their briefs are accepted by the court and considered in their case.