Brief of a case

Case Name 

(identify the parties at each level--(handwrite it in (or use the symbols) above the parties' names))

Citation

Facts:  (Brief summary of the relevant information contained in the case.)

Issue:  (Question before the court.  Always start it with "Whether"--always end it with a question mark.)

Proc. Hist:  ("Procedural History" is the holding/decision from each lower level court that the case went through.)

Holding:  (Answer to the issue.)

Rat:  (Rationale is "why/how" the court reached its decision.  It is an explanation for the court's holding.)

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Note:  Remember all briefs must be typed, double spaced, and should not exceed one page.