Case briefing is difficult.

This is difficult. I want you to try your best in completing this. Points will be awarded for effort. Do not write in an essay form. You are outlining here. Think of it as dissecting the case into understandable parts. The main things that you are always looking for is what rule did this case set that I can apply to future cases.

PROCEDURAL HISTORY:

Tell who is suing whom for what.

Tell how the lower court ruled in the case.

Identify which party appealed to which court and the relief requested.

FACTS:

Summarize the essential facts that led to the lawsuit, focusing on the facts you think were important to the court in deciding the case.

ISSUE(S):

Specify the issue(s), or question(s), in controversy in the case on appeal.

Each issue should be written in the form of a separate question.

HOLDING:

Each holding is the answer to each issue, or question, before the court.

The holding is usually a rephrasing of the issue from a question to a declarative sentence.

REASONING:

Explain the court's reasoning in reaching its decision.

Identify any public policy considerations.

Note significant dicta.

DISSENT/CONCURRENCE:

Describe important points made in dissenting or concurring opinions.