Supreme Court of Oklahoma

Brief and appendix rules we apply — State appeal, $299.

Format

Type: Times New Roman 12 pt, double-spaced
Margins: Margins: top 1", right 1", bottom 1", left 1.25"
Opening brief: 30 pages
Reply brief: 30 pages
What counts: Excludes cover, index, appendix, signature/attorney info, certificate of service; combined counter/cross-appeal briefs 40 pp.
Rules: Oklahoma Supreme Court Rules (Okla. Sup. Ct. R.), Title 12 O.S. Ch. 15 App. 1 — Okla. Sup. Ct. R. 1.11(a) (am. 2022 OK 93); Okla. Sup. Ct. R. 1.11(b)

Parts of the brief, in order

Cover — Required · Rule 1.11(c)
INDEX — Required · Rule 1.11(d)
SUMMARY OF THE RECORD — Required · Rule 1.11(e)
ARGUMENT AND AUTHORITIES (Propositions) — Required · Rule 1.11(f)
CONCLUSION — Required
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE — Required
APPENDIX — If applicable · Rule 1.11(i)

Argument headings: Main contentions set out in separate numbered PROPOSITIONS ('PROPOSITION I: ...'), each followed by argument and authorities; index lists propositions and authorities (Rule 1.11(d),(f)).

Record citations: Record cites by document and page, e.g. (Petition at 17), (Tr. Vol. II at 3-4); original jurisdiction: App. at page

Appendix

Required when applicable. Pages are numbered like App. 12. (Okla. Sup. Ct. R. 1.11(i))

decision(s) appealed
authorities not in National Reporter System
non-Oklahoma statutes/rules
evidence or instructions complained of

Certificates

Service: Certificate of service

Good to know

Footnotes >=11 pt; substantive argument in footnotes can cause rejection (2022 OK 93).
Accelerated procedure for summary judgments/dismissals (Rule 1.36) proceeds without briefs unless ordered.
Reply-brief 30-page limit per Rule 1.11(b) text as quoted; verify.

Filing: Filed with Clerk of the Appellate Courts, Oklahoma City (paper covers of 96# stock, left-side spiral/plastic binding per Rule 1.11(c)); e-filing availability not verified

Questions

What font and spacing does the Supreme Court of Oklahoma require for briefs?

Times New Roman 12 pt, double-spaced; margins: top 1", right 1", bottom 1", left 1.25" (Okla. Sup. Ct. R. 1.11(a) (am. 2022 OK 93)).

How long can an opening brief be in the Supreme Court of Oklahoma?

30 pages (Okla. Sup. Ct. R. 1.11(b)). Reply brief: 30 pages.

What goes in the appendix?

Appendix: decision(s) appealed; authorities not in National Reporter System; non-Oklahoma statutes/rules; evidence or instructions complained of.