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 Oregon, 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. Oregon courts have specific rules regarding the preparation and submission of briefs, which include guidelines on page limits, formatting, and the required method of filing, which is often electronic through the Oregon Judicial Department's eFiling system. Additionally, parties are required to serve copies of their briefs to other parties involved in the litigation. These rules are designed to ensure that the court has all the necessary information to make an informed decision and that all parties have a fair opportunity to present their case. The Oregon Rules of Appellate Procedure (ORAP), for example, provide detailed instructions on the content, format, and procedure for filing briefs in appellate cases.