Frequently Asked Questions

What is a hyperlink?

A hyperlink is a word or series of words upon which you can click your mouse, and be transferred to another document. For example, clicking on a case name hyperlink will transfer you to that case.
For example, the following case name is hyperlinked to the underlying case:
Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966)

In what form should I deliver my brief to CDBrief?

The form information along with a helpful checklist can be found on our Order page.

Is a CDBrief a substitute for a paper brief?

No, at least not yet.  A paper brief must still be submitted absent a Court order.

Do any Court Rules apply to briefs on CD-ROM?

Some Courts have rules for CD-ROM briefs and others do not. Click for Washington State's Rule 10.9. Here is the link for the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit Rule 32(e).

What deadlines apply to submission of CD-ROM briefs?

Some Courts have no deadlines for submission of  CD-ROM briefs.  However, even for those Courts without specific deadlines, it is suggested that you contact the appropriate Court Clerk for more information.  In any event, to ensure that the CD-ROM briefs are available to the Court at a useful time, it is suggested that the CD-ROM brief be submitted shortly after the paper briefs.

What are the system requirements for a CDBrief?

A computer with a CD-ROM drive and a copy of the Adobe Acrobat reader program. Adobe Acrobat reader runs on the following computer operating systems: Microsoft NT; Microsoft Windows 95, 98, 2000, Me, XP or Vista; Macintosh; and Unix.  For more information, read our Instruction sheet.

How do you start a CDBrief?

For most computers, you simply need to insert the CDBrief in your CD-ROM drive, and it will start automatically.  Click for further start up suggestions and troubleshooting.

How do you use a CDBrief?

Instructions on using a CDBrief are included with each copy of CDBrief. Click to view our Instruction sheet.

Can more than one brief be included on a single CDBrief?

Yes.  One of the advantages of a CDBrief is that all the briefs in an appeal can be included on a single CDBrief.  This is more convenient for the Court, your client and you, and allows you to take advantage of the lower price for the second and later briefs on a single CDBrief.  

Do I need to obtain permission to use copyrighted material in a CDBrief?

Yes in some cases. A suggested form letter is available in Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat format. Alternatively, CDBrief can obtain cases and statutes for you.