Why is it called a brief?

Asked by: Hettie Wiza  |  Last update: May 30, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (17 votes)

The Meaning and Origin of 'Brief' The French word derives from Latin brevis, nominally meaning "summary" or "short document" and adjectivally "short." Fittingly, both English words denote shortness or conciseness—chiefly in speech or writing, or in regard to time (as in "a brief description" or "a brief visit").

How did briefs get their name?

The term derives from the genericized trademark "Y-Front", property of Jockey International. It, in turn, derives from the inverted Y-shape formed by the seams at the front of the underpants.

What is brief slang for?

2 A colloquial name for a barrister, as in “my brief is Mr Jones”. From: brief in A Dictionary of Law »

Why is it called debrief?

In the military, when people are sent on a mission they are given a briefing of information that's important to their success. When those people come back from their mission, they would “debrief” about what happened by asking questions and sharing the information they learned.

What is the difference between a brief and a pleading?

A brief is the legal argument in support of a motion or an appeal, and the term normally used in appellate practice. A pleading refers to the complaint or answer in the case. The memo of law is the legal argument with cases/statutes as applicable offered in support of the motion.

What is a Brief?

26 related questions found

Why is a legal brief called a brief?

The word "brief" has two general meanings in legal parlance. As a noun it can be the written argument a lawyer files with a court in support of his or her client's case. As a verb (as used here), "briefing the decision" means to prepare a short summary of the court's written decision in a case.

What are the 3 types of pleadings?

There are several types of pleadings in civil litigation. These include complaints, which serve as the basis of the legal action, and answers, which are the responses to the complaints. There may also be counterclaims, crossclaims, and third-party claims, which are also types of pleadings.

What is debrief vs. brief?

Brief is a verb as well, meaning "to summarize" or "to give instructions." This last definition gave rise to debrief, which means "to question or get information from someone."

Why is it called a briefing?

Entries linking to briefing

"to give instructions or information to," 1866; originally "to instruct by a brief" (1862), from brief (n.). Related: Briefed; briefing.

What is the opposite of brief?

'Brief' means short (in length), and its antonyms are long and lengthy. 'Brief' also means short time, and its opposites are slow, lasting, long and lengthy.

What is the full meaning of brief?

: short in duration, extent, or length. a brief meeting. 2. a. : concise.

What is the slang word for lawyer?

Mouthpiece is a slang term for a lawyer, especially a criminal defense lawyer. The term stems from the view of lawyers as being the spokesperson for their client.

What is the point of a brief?

A brief can help you communicate important details to key stakeholders, including the court system or creative teams at agencies. A well-written brief can increase the likelihood that your project will be successful.

Who created briefs?

Boxers weren't all that popular at first—but not so for briefs, which were also developed in the early 20th century. In 1928, Arthur Kneibler was hired by Cooper Underwear Company, where the "apparel engineer" introduced underwear briefs styled off of jockstraps.

What is a Brazilian brief?

Brazilian Briefs are characterised by a high leg cut, while sitting low across the hips. These briefs cover your hip and groin, while leaving your stomach and lower buttocks exposed.

Why do lawyers write briefs?

Lawyers often prepare briefs which highlight and clarify certain information or provide legal comparisons in an attempt to persuade the courtroom to rule in favor of that lawyer's client.

What is beefing?

Meaning of beefing in English

to complain: He was beefing about having to do the shopping. Synonyms. bellyache informal.

What is the meaning of D brief?

: to be interrogated for useful information following a mission, experience, etc. : to be debriefed.

What is a brief also known as?

Generally, it is a short summary of a position that you are taking... It includes the facts of your case, the relevant law, and how you want the court to apply the law to the facts. A brief is often called a 'Memorandum of Law. '"

What are the five R's of an effective debrief?

The second installment of this series (bit.ly/smBourkeFiveRs) focused on the Five Rs of an effective briefing: Roadmap, Results Desired, Room and Logistics, Roles and Responsibilities, and Risks.

What is an out brief?

An out-brief should include the following: 1. An executive summary, or bottom line up front. 2. Findings in all areas assessed (Interviews, observations, trash collection, etc.)

What's the difference between a pleading and a motion?

Pleadings do not ask the judge to make decisions. Motions, on the other hand, ask judges to make decisions. Motions are mostly written but can be oral requests that can be presented only after the complaint has been filed.

What are the three things you can plead in court?

These options include pleading not guilty, pleading guilty, pleading no contest also known as nolo contendere, or remaining mute. Now as you might expect there are a variety of reasons as to why a Defendant might choose one of these options over another.

What does it mean to demurrer in court?

Demur (or demurrer) refers to making a pleading that challenges the sufficiency or adequacy of pleadings of another party. Demurrers typically come in two forms: general and specific. A general demurrer challenges a broader problem with a pleading that affects all of the claims brought, such as improper venue .