brief 1 n [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 usu. 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
◇ Briefs are filed either by a party or an amicus curiae with a court usu. 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.
brief 2 vt: to write a brief concerning (a motion or question of law)
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.