Getting to the Heart of It.

Posted By Cliff Tuttle | November 1, 2015

No. 1,229

SUMMARY: Brevity really is the soul of wit.

Image: church planting.com

I read a brief yesterday, submitted by an opponent. It was rather typical, actually.  I see a lot of briefs like this one. It was long, too long.  Actually, 3/4 of the total number of pages were exhibits.  None of the exhibits were particularly relevant and all could have been omitted.

Most of the argument was irrelevant, too.  And the part that really mattered was actually too short. And then there were string cites — a series of case citations to support a one sentence proposition that is not developed.

Briefs are, yes, supposed to present an argument briefly.  But too often they don’t.They don’t get straight to the point and they don’t focus enough on what is important.

A brief is supposed to be persuasive.  That means that you have to get to the heart of it. And then you have to make a good, plausible argument.  And then you stop.

CLT

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CLIFF TUTTLE has been a Pennsylvania lawyer for over 45 years and (inter alia) is a real estate litigator and legal writer. The posts in this blog are intended to provide general information about legal topics of interest to lawyers and consumers with a Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania focus. However, this information does not constitute legal advice and there is no lawyer-client relationship created when you read this blog. You are encouraged to leave comments but be aware that posted comments can be read by others. If you wish to contact me in privacy, please use the Contact Form located immediately below this message. I will reply promptly and in strict confidence.

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