Records and Briefs
In an appellate case, the parties submit briefs to the court containing arguments on the points of law at issue in the case. These are known as "merits briefs." A person or group that is not a party to a case but has a strong interest in the subject matter may also be permitted to file an amicus curiae or "friend of the court" brief. In addition to briefs, the record of the trial court proceedings is also submitted. The contents of the "record" vary by case but may include such things as a trial transcript; court orders; motions and other pleadings; exhibits; and instructions to the jury. Oral arguments pertaining to the points addressed in the parties’ briefs are held by the court in most appellate cases.
