What is oral argument in court?

Asked by: Jerrod Lesch  |  Last update: November 25, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (35 votes)

Oral argument gives the parties an opportunity to appear in person before the three judges from the Court of Appeals who will decide the case. The parties have 15 minutes each to present their arguments. The oral arguments should focus on the key arguments made in writing in the briefs.

What happens during an oral argument?

An oral argument is an oral presentation attorneys make to the court. It is an opportunity for attorneys to emphasize certain legal points and for the appellate court to ask questions. It is not an opportunity to raise new facts or new legal arguments.

Who speaks during oral arguments?

Oral argument is the last step in the appeal process before the Court of Appeal makes a decision. During oral argument, all parties who filed a brief are offered a limited amount of time to speak directly to the Court of Appeal justices before they decide the appeal.

How long do oral arguments last in court?

During oral arguments, each side has approximately 30 minutes to present its case, however, attorneys are not required to use the entire time. The petitioner argues first, then the respondent. If the petitioner reserves time for rebuttal, the petitioner speaks last.

How long after an oral argument do you get a decision?

How long does it take from the time of argument to the time of decision? The Court has no time limit, but most cases are decided within 3 months to a year after submission.

Panel V (Tweed Courtroom) Oral Arguments - 9:30am Tuesday 1/28/2025

34 related questions found

How do you win an oral argument?

Always focus on why your side is right, rather than on why the other side is wrong. When crafting your argument, put yourself in the judges' position. Look for the weaknesses in your argument, anticipate the questions judges might ask, and plan responses that transition to the merits of your position.

What is the 3 day rule after an argument?

The 3-day rule suggests that a person should wait for three days before making a decision or taking action after an argument.

Who asks questions during the oral argument in the courtroom?

The Court holds oral argument in about 70-80 cases each year. The arguments are an opportunity for the Justices to ask questions directly of the attorneys representing the parties to the case, and for the attorneys to highlight arguments that they view as particularly important.

Why request an oral argument?

Reasons to make an oral argument
  • To explain something in a brief.
  • To discuss an argument made in any party's brief.
  • To highlight the most important issues in the appeal.
  • To give the justices a chance to ask questions.
  • To talk about new legal authorities that support an argument in a brief.

What must be filed before oral arguments are presented?

Prior to the argument, each side has submitted a legal brief—a written legal argument outlining each party's points of law. The Justices have read these briefs prior to argument and are thoroughly familiar with the case, its facts, and the legal positions that each party is advocating.

Who goes first in oral argument?

The appellant will speak first. When the justices tell you it's your time to speak, walk to the podium. Do bring your outline of key points to the podium.

How to get a judge to rule in your favor?

Judges expect advocates to present arguments completely and honestly. Completely means knowing the record as well the adversary's con- tentions. Honestly means presenting all information accurately, even if that requires the advocate to concede some points. a trial or appellate judge is to win.

What is the rule of four?

On the face of it, the Supreme Court's “Rule of Four” is straightforward. Where the justices have discretion as to whether to hear an appeal, at least four of the Court's members must vote to grant a writ of certiorari, which facilitates a full review on the merits.

Can you listen to oral arguments?

The Federal Circuit provides media and public access to the audio stream of each panel scheduled for argument during the court's monthly sessions. The streaming audio feeds begin approximately 15 minutes before the start of the scheduled argument in each courtroom.

Why do lawyers say may it please the court?

Most law schools teach that when our feet reach the podium the first words we should pronounce-with clarity, while meeting the judge's eyes-are: "May it please the court...." There is nothing wrong with the phrase, except it's just a polite nicety if the advo- cate does not know how to "please the court."

Do oral arguments make a difference?

My best estimate is that oral argument does affect the outcome at times. That is, it changes or makes up minds in about five to ten percent of the cases where we hear argument. That estimate might be generous.

How do you prepare for oral argument in court?

Steps to get ready for your oral argument
  1. Review all information in the appeal. ...
  2. Don't plan to say too much. ...
  3. Focus on legal issues. ...
  4. Make an outline. ...
  5. Check the laws referenced in your brief. ...
  6. Notify the court and other parties of new laws. ...
  7. Don't focus on visuals. ...
  8. Practice your argument.

What is it called when lawyers argue?

oral argument - An opportunity for lawyers to summarize their position before the court in an appeal and also to answer the judges' questions.

What is the meaning of oral argument in law?

An oral argument is a presentation of a case before a court by spoken word. Lawyers or parties representing each side in a dispute have 30 minutes to make their case and answer questions from Supreme Court justices or Intermediate Appellate Court judges.

What happens after oral arguments?

After the oral arguments have been finished, the court meets, in its conference room, to reach a preliminary decision about the outcome of each case. When the justices disagree, the greater number becomes the majority of the court on that case.

Are there witnesses and a jury during oral argument?

With rare exceptions, each side is allowed 30 minutes to present arguments. The Court generally hears two arguments a day, with occasional afternoon arguments. Since the majority of cases involve the review of a decision of some other court, there is no jury and no witnesses are heard.

How long does court usually last in a day?

On average, these hearings can last anywhere from a few hours to a full day, and sometimes, when the case is particularly involved, they can span over multiple days. In specialized courts, like family or bankruptcy courts, hearings might have different average durations.

What should you not do after an argument?

13 Things to Never Do After a Fight With Your Partner
  • Pretend that nothing ever happened. ...
  • Don't allow your partner to have the space they need. ...
  • Disclose the details of your fight to close friends and family before hashing it out with your partner. ...
  • Bring up past arguments. ...
  • Give them the silent treatment.

How do you end an argument and win?

Here are four simple statements you can use that will stop an argument 99 percent of the time.
  1. “Let me think about that.” This works in part because it buys time. ...
  2. “You may be right.” This works because it shows willingness to compromise. ...
  3. “I understand.” ...
  4. “I'm sorry.” ...
  5. “Can we take a break and revisit this later?”

How to make him crave and miss you?

10 proven ways to make a guy miss you
  1. Deliberately leave things behind. ...
  2. Give him some personal space. ...
  3. Make him wait before replying his texts. ...
  4. Take things slow. ...
  5. Wear a unique perfume. ...
  6. Add some mystery to your experiences together. ...
  7. Have adventures with him (and your friends)