What is the purpose of a brief in legal terms?

The purpose of a brief in legal terms is to outline main contentions with supporting evidence. A legal brief serves as a structured document prepared to present legal arguments to a court. It includes a statement of the facts of the case, relevant law, and supporting reasoning that argues why a particular legal outcome should be reached. By aiming to persuade the reader, typically a judge or panel of judges, the brief must include comprehensive legal analysis and clear connections between the applicable law and the case facts.

This format enables legal practitioners to efficiently communicate the key points of their argument while providing sufficient detail to support their position. The use of evidence enhances the argument's credibility and persuasiveness. Consequently, legal briefs play a crucial role in legal proceedings, as they lay the groundwork for the arguments that will be presented during hearings or trials.