Stone Moot Court Brief Writing and Oral Advocacy Workshop

Stone Moot CourtBrief WritingandOral Advocacy Workshop

Your name is on the brief!The Law School’s name is on the brief!

Purpose of Brief • Every sentence must support your case! • Persuade the court • Make positive arguments • Do not make opponent’s case • “Appellant will argue…”

QuestionsPresented • Question of Law • Material Facts • Persuasive

Statement of Facts • Chronological • Accurate • Sympathetic

Summary of Argument • Brief • No citations • Use headings as a guide

Argument Headings • Facts plus conclusions • Persuasive • Main headings answer questions presented • Subheadings logically set forth arguments

The Argument • Contention • Law • Apply • Conclude

Contention • Statement of Law and material facts • What you want court to find

Law • Case law • Why is case relevant • Use of Parentheticals • Other authority

Apply • The “in this case” section • Use the facts of the case

Conclusion • Restates contention • What you want the court to find

Use of Authority • Any statement of law • Limit string cites • Use of parentheticals • Avoid block quotes • Don’t ignore unfavorable authority • Use proper Bluebook form

Writing Tips • Be positive • Lead from strength • Simple language • Short sentences • Use transitions

The Three “P’s” • Passive • Prepositions • Pronouns

Edit and revise! • Save time to edit • Read your partner’s section • Save time to put parts of brief together

Every sentence should advance your case!

Stone Moot Court Brief Writing and Oral Advocacy Workshop