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 Maryland, a brief is a formal document submitted to a court by a party involved in litigation or arbitration. This document presents the party's arguments, cites relevant legal authorities, and explains why the court should rule in the party's favor. Maryland courts have specific rules regarding the preparation and submission of briefs, which include guidelines on page limits, formatting, and the required structure of the arguments. These rules can be found in the Maryland Rules of Procedure, particularly Title 8 for appellate courts. Additionally, briefs are typically filed electronically through the Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) system, which is the state's e-filing system. Parties are also required to serve copies of their briefs to the other parties involved in the litigation. The exact requirements for briefs can vary depending on the court and the type of case, so it is important for parties to consult the relevant local rules and procedures.