Appellate procedure requires that parties provide the court with written arguments called briefs.  Briefs describe the facts of the case and lay out the party's legal arguments, including the mention of other court cases that support the party's legal arguments.  The appellate court studies the briefs, examines the lower court record and researches relevant law. 

  

  

Appellant Brief (Brien) (pdf 2126kb)  

Appellee Brief (Varnum)  (pdf 3621 kb)  

Appellant Reply Brief (Brien)  (pdf 1192 kb)  

Trial Court Ruling  (pdf 10784 kb)  

  

  

Copies of amicus briefs are available upon request for a fee.