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 Massachusetts, a brief is a formal document submitted to a court by a party involved in litigation or arbitration. This document presents the facts of the case, the relevant law, and arguments supporting the party's position. The Massachusetts Rules of Appellate Procedure (for appellate cases) and local rules of court (for trial-level cases) provide specific guidelines regarding the content, format, page limits, and filing procedures for briefs. For instance, appellate briefs must conform to requirements about typeface, margins, and length, as outlined in Rule 20 of the Massachusetts Rules of Appellate Procedure. Additionally, electronic filing (e-filing) is commonly required in Massachusetts courts, and parties must also ensure that copies of the brief are served on all other parties involved in the litigation. The exact rules can vary depending on the court and the type of case, so it is important to consult the relevant court rules and any specific orders issued in a particular case.