Write a clear, succinct case brief (1-2 pages). Your case brief should demonstrate your ability to (1) identify relevant facts of the case (parties involved, procedural history, etc.), (2) summarize the main issues (what is in dispute), (3) explain the holding (the applied rule of law), and (4) interpret the rationale for the decision (the reasons the court presented for the holding).
You should use a heading (at the top of the page) with your name, course information, etc.. Following the header, you should include the properly formatted citation for the case (centered as a title). Below the case citation, you should organize the case brief into sections. However, it is essential to keep in mind that, unlike the “APA General Reporting Standards,” which apply to nearly all forms of academic writing, there is no single format for writing case briefs. The sections, arrangement of information, and formatting of case briefs varies widely.
We will be using a four-section structure for the brief. These sections will be: (1) Facts of the Case, (2) Issues and Arguments, (3) Holding, and (4) Reasons and Judgments.
Riley v. California (a decision related to Fourth Amendment rights and cell phone search)
The facts of the case should include the parties involved (the plaintiff and defendant), the procedural history (including lower court decisions, etc.), and the general facts (what happened that led to the case). Always include the names for the plaintiff and defendant. Do not simply refer to them as “plaintiff” and “defendant.” You should summarize the facts of the case as concisely as possible. Many students – who are not familiar with legal ideas – focus too much time and too many sentences on the “facts” of the case. A case brief is not a story – just the facts is fine.
What is at issue means: “what is disputed” (what was being decided by the court). You should always phrase the issue as a “yes-no” legal question. Do not make the issue moral or interpretative.
The “holding” is the applied rule of law, which is different from the judgement. The holding should summarize the applied rule of law that the court used to make the final judgment.
Identify and summarize the judgment of the court, including a brief description of the rationale and decisions reached by the court. Whenever relevant, briefly describe concurrence, or dissent.