Writing Workshop on Effective Brief Writing

Question 1

Which short form cite correctly reflects a pincite instead of the initial page?

Accepted Answer

Buddy's, 35 F.3d at 337.

Question 2

Are unpublished opinions precedent in the Fifth Circuit?

Accepted Answer

Only if decided before 1996

Question 3

Which pronoun is right for courts?

Accepted Answer

they

Question 4

Which sounds clearer?

Accepted Answer

The ct. held that plaintiff's late filing barred the claim.

Question 5

Which reflects a possessive correctly?

Accepted Answer

Mr. Jones's shirt ripped at the seam.

Question 6

Correct capitalization of court if referring to 5th Cir. in brief submitted to 5th Cir.?

Accepted Answer

this Court

Question 7

Correct capitalization of court if referring to U.S. Supreme Court in any court document?

Accepted Answer

the Supreme Court

Question 8

Which citation reflects proper spacing per The Bluebook?

Accepted Answer

F. Supp. 3d

Question 9

Per ct. rules, may unpublished opinions be cited in briefs filed in the Fifth Circuit?

Accepted Answer

Yes

Question 10

To bind, case must have which of the following:

Accepted Answer

all of the above

Question 11

Which pronoun is right for court?

Accepted Answer

it

Question 12

Number 1 goal when writing a brief is ______

Accepted Answer

To get the brief read

Question 13

Which has improper punctuation?

Accepted Answer

I must "put on my face", paint my nails and dress first.

Question 14

Which reflects a proper court & date parenthetical in a cite to a 5th Cir. published opinion?

Accepted Answer

(5th Cir. 2016)

Question 15

T/F In Fifth Circuit, alternate rationales for court's decision on an issue also bind.

Accepted Answer

True

Question 16

Correct capitalization of court if referencing Louisiana Supreme Court in brief to 5th Cir.?

Accepted Answer

the supreme court

Question 17

Correct spelling?

Accepted Answer

judgment

Question 18

Which is a complete sentence?

Accepted Answer

If the dog ran to the track, it must be tired.

Question 19

T/F To bind, precedent must come from same or a higher ct. w/ jd'n over current deciding ct.

Accepted Answer

True

Question 20

T/F With stare decisis, only the holding is binding

Accepted Answer

True

Question 21

Correct capitalization (and usage)?

Accepted Answer

the Fifth Circuit

Questions 21