Oral Arguments

Definition

Oral arguments are spoken presentations made in person by attorneys to an appellate court such as supreme court during which they argue their client’s position before judges and respond to questions posed by judges.

Related terms

Brief: A written legal document used in various legal adversarial systems that is presented to a court arguing why one party to a particular case should prevail.

Amicus Curiae: Literally "friend of the court". It is someone who is not a party to the case but offers information that bears on the case.

Rebuttal: The act of refuting by offering a contrary contention or argument.