United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

Format

Type

Times New Roman 14 pt, double-spaced

Margins

1-inch margins

Opening brief

13,000 words or 30 pages

Reply brief

6,500 words or 15 pages

What counts

Excludes cover, disclosure statement, TOC, TOA, glossary, statement regarding oral argument, addendum of statutes/rules, certificates of counsel, signature block, proof of service, and any item the rule exempts (FRAP 32(f)); headings, footnotes, quotations count

Rules

FRAP and Local Rules of the Fourth Circuit — FRAP 32(a); Fourth Circuit Brief & Joint Appendix Requirements; FRAP 32(a)(7), 32(f)

Parts of the brief, in order

1. Cover — Required · FRAP 32(a)(2)
2. DISCLOSURE STATEMENT — If applicable · FRAP 26.1; 4th Cir. R. 26.1 (court form)
3. TABLE OF CONTENTS — Required · FRAP 28(a)(2)
4. TABLE OF AUTHORITIES — Required · FRAP 28(a)(3)
5. JURISDICTIONAL STATEMENT — Required · FRAP 28(a)(4)
6. STATEMENT OF THE ISSUES — Required · FRAP 28(a)(5)
7. STATEMENT OF THE CASE — Required · FRAP 28(a)(6)
8. SUMMARY OF THE ARGUMENT — Required · FRAP 28(a)(7)
9. ARGUMENT — Required · FRAP 28(a)(8)
10. CONCLUSION — Required · FRAP 28(a)(9)
11. REQUEST FOR ORAL ARGUMENT — If applicable · 4th Cir. R. 34(a) (optional; at conclusion of argument)
12. Signature block — Required · FRAP 32(d)
13. CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE — If applicable · FRAP 28(a)(10), 32(g)
14. CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE — If applicable · FRAP 25(d)
15. ADDENDUM — If applicable · FRAP 28(f)

Argument headings: Argument divided under numbered/lettered point headings (e.g. 'I.', 'A.'); all headings reproduced in TOC; contentions with citations to authorities and the record (FRAP 28(a)(8)(A))

Standard of review: For each issue, a concise statement of the applicable standard of review, in the argument or under a separate heading placed before discussion of the issues (FRAP 28(a)(8)(B))

Record citations: JA321-322 (repeat all digits; repeat prefix for non-consecutive pages; no id./supra for JA cites)

Joint Appendix

Required. Pages are numbered like JA12. (FRAP 30; 4th Cir. R. 30)

• cover
• detailed table of contents (identify witnesses/exhibits)
• district court docket report
• complaint as finally amended / indictment
• relevant pleadings, transcripts, findings, opinions
• final opinion and order appealed
• notice of appeal

Vol. 1 holds only the decisions appealed (unless single volume); then chronological. Bates-number continuously with 'JA' prefix (supplemental 'SA'), 14-pt page numbers bottom margin, no volume numbers in cite. No condensed transcripts; transcript pages identify witness and exam type. PSR in sealed volume.

Certificates

• Compliance: Certificate that the brief complies with the type-volume limit, stating the number of words (or lines) per the word-processing count; Form 6 may be used (FRAP 32(g)(1))
• Service: Proof of service showing date and manner of service, names and addresses (FRAP 25(d)); not required for papers served via CM/ECF on registered users per circuit rule
• Corporate disclosure statement (FRAP 26.1) in principal brief even if previously filed

Good to know

• Appellee brief may omit jurisdiction, issues, case statement and standard of review unless dissatisfied with appellant's (FRAP 28(b))
• Pro se litigants: FRAP 32 limits apply; handwritten/informal briefs and appendix exemptions vary by circuit (see below)
• Times New Roman preferred; sans-serif only in captions/headings; monospaced Courier 12 pt
• Pro se appellants typically file informal briefs on court form

Filing: CM/ECF; searchable PDF; paper copies not required unless ordered (typically 4 when tentatively calendared for argument)