Study in Appellate Advocacy: Class Assignments

CLASS ASSIGNMENTS

In your assignments for class, you are instructed to look at various parts of the web site. At a minimum, you should read those sections along with the "Introduction to Texas v. Johnson." This will give you a thumbnail sketch of the case in which the briefs were filed.

Record on appeal Questions Presented
	Guide to Appellate Briefs Petitioner's Question Presented Respondent's Question Presented
Jurisdictional Statement
	Guide to Appellate Briefs Petitioner's Jurisdictional Statement
Procedural history
Statements of the Case
	Guide to Appellate Briefs Petitioner's Statement of the Case Respondent's Statement of the Case
Point Headings
	Guide to Appellate Briefs Petitioner's Point Headings Respondent's Point Headings
Summary of the Argument
	Guide to Appellate Briefs Petitioner's Summary of Argument Respondent's Summary of Argument
The Argument
	Guide to Appellate Briefs Petitioner's Argument Respondent's Argument

Following the Guide to Appellate Briefs

Another way to use this web site is to follow the section titled "Guide to Appellate Briefs." The Guide provides a section-by-section discussion of the parts of an appellate brief and gives concrete drafting tips. The Guide is linked into the Texas v. Johnson briefs and other relevant information within the web site.

Using the Guide as your structure may be the way to get the most out of the web site with the least effort. It will help you avoid aimless wandering. But if you prefer to wander, you are free to do so.

Learning about Oral Argument

Many first year law students face the required moot court experience with great trepidation. Partly, this is a fear of the unknown. Class sessions, demonstrations, and reading materials can help you become familiar with what happens in oral argument. This web site includes the transcript of the oral argument in Texas v. Johnson and a link to an audio version. By reading and listening, you can get some idea of how an oral argument proceeds. Although no two oral arguments unfold in exactly the same way, these resources will give you some feel for the experience, and allow you to observe the work of some experienced appellate advocates.