Court of appeals · Briefs
Reply Brief
Responds to the appellee’s brief.
Filed by: Appellant
Not yet verified. Compiled from the national rules and not yet verified by a reviewing attorney. The national rules are amended each December 1, and local rules, standing orders and judges' practices add to them. Confirm with the current rules before filing. This is not legal advice.
What it must include
- Cover with case number, court, title, nature of proceeding, document title and counsel (FRAP 32(a)(2)) — gray cover
- Table of contents and table of authorities
- Argument
- Certificate of compliance with the type-volume limit (FRAP 32(g)(1))
- Proof of service (FRAP 25(d))
Deadline and length
Deadline: Within 21 days after service of the appellee’s brief, but at least 7 days before argument unless the court allows otherwise (FRAP 31(a)(1)).
Length: Half the type-volume of a principal brief: 6,500 words or 15 pages (FRAP 32(a)(7)).
Governing rules
- FRAP 28(c)
- FRAP 31(a)(1)
- FRAP 32
Check the local rules for
- Circuit-specific word limits
Applies in federal courts of appeals. Find your court for its local requirements.
Other briefs
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