Which term describes a written legal argument presented to the court by a lawyer to summarize the facts and support a legal position?

• A. A document that requires a witness to appear in court
• B. A request for a court order to depose a witness
• C. A written legal argument presented to the court by a lawyer to summarize the facts and support a legal position
• D. A brand of antivirus software

Answer: (C)

A brief is a written legal argument presented to the court by a lawyer to summarize the facts and support a legal position. It lays out the facts, identifies the legal issues, cites statutes and precedents, and explains the reasoning that leads to the desired ruling. This document is the main vehicle for persuading the judge or judges, often used with motions or in appeals. The other items describe a subpoena (a document requiring a witness to appear) and a deposition order, or are unrelated software, so they do not fit the description of a written legal argument aimed at persuading the court.