When Is Respondent's Brief Due?

The respondent's brief is due 30 days after the appellant's opening brief is served and filed.

How long can an appellant's reply brief be in California?

There are rules about how long a brief can be. Each brief must include a Certificate of Compliance saying that it meets the maximum length allowed by the court. Briefs prepared on a typewriter cannot be more than 50 pages. Briefs prepared on a computer cannot be more than 14,000 words.

What is a respondent brief?

The respondent – who won in the trial court – writes only one brief. The respondent's brief argues that the trial court's decision was correct. Even if the trial court made a legal mistake, the respondent's brief may argue that the mistake did not impact the judgment. The respondent's brief is optional.