brief
[Old French
bref brief letter, writ indicating legal proceedings, from Late Latin
brevis breve short document, summary, from Latin
brevis, adjective, short]
1 : a concise statement of a client's case written for the instruction of an attorney usually by a law clerk called also
memorandum 2 : a formal written presentation of an argument that sets forth the main points with supporting precedents and evidence
NOTE: Briefs are filed either by a party or an amicus curiae with a court usually regarding a specific motion (as for summary judgment) or point of law. The form of the brief is determined by the procedural rules of that court or jurisdiction. vt
: to write a brief concerning (a motion or question of law)