why would an attorney waive the right to make oral argument?

by Alf Abbott 5 min read

Why would an attorney waive the right to make an oral argument? (Many courts give you a quicker decision if you waive oral argument.) So why do it? If you can’t think of a good reason to orally argue the case, you’ll serve your client better by waiving it. Repeating your brief isn’t a good reason. Why did Court of Appeals deny oral argument?

An appellate advocate often waives oral argument because he believes that the facts and legal issues are so clearly in his client's favor that his client will prevail without the necessity of oral argument. The attorney who waives oral argument for this reason is taking a significant risk.

Full Answer

What is an oral argument waiver?

You can "waive" (give up) oral argument if you want. To let the court know that you do NOT want to have oral argument: If the court sends you a notice asking you if you want to participate in oral argument and you do NOT respond, the court will assume you are waiving your oral argument.

Do oral arguments matter?

Oral argument can be critical, but only in a very small percentage of cases. This suggests both that oral argument should be granted in fewer cases, and that the important cases in which oral argument is granted should receive additional time.

What is a waiver argument?

In federal circuits, a waived argument is intentional, and may not be resurrected on appeal. A forfeited argument results from an inadvertent failure to raise that argument, and may be nonetheless reviewed in very limited circumstances.Mar 6, 2018

What is the purpose of an oral argument?

First, oral argument provides a unique opportunity for attorneys to converse with judges and be a part of the decision-making process. Second, oral argument is valuable for clients, who can see their concerns being addressed by the court and better understand how invested the judges are in the case.Feb 18, 2020

Who speaks during oral arguments?

The appellant (party who filed the appeal) speaks first. The appellee (opposing party) speaks next. The appellant may follow with a brief rebuttal or reply argument. Justices may ask the attorneys questions.

How do you end an oral argument?

Answer their questions directly and use your roadmap and outline to find an appropriate place at which to continue arguing. When you have finished your argument, end with a clear statement of what you are asking the Court to do (a "prayer for relief").

What is the difference between waiver and forfeiture?

Waiver is the voluntary relinquishment, surrender or abandonment of some known right or privilege. Forfeiture is the act of losing or surrendering something as a penalty for a mistake or fault or failure to perform, etc.

Can new arguments be raised on appeal?

While appellate counsel generally may not stray far from the arguments that were advanced below, there may be a lane for a new argument if it can be pitched in a way that fits within an exception to that general rule.Aug 21, 2020

What is forfeiture of right?

Forfeiture is compensation for breach of the terms of a contract. The party who fails to perform their obligations or breach their duty under a contract forfeits their assets or rights under the contract. The purpose of forfeiture is to compensate the party adversely affected by the non-performance of the contract.Mar 11, 2022

Who asks questions during the oral argument in the courtroom?

the JusticesThe Court holds oral argument in about 70-80 cases each year. The arguments are an opportunity for the Justices to ask questions directly of the attorneys representing the parties to the case, and for the attorneys to highlight arguments that they view as particularly important.

How long should oral arguments be?

So, make sure you have an argument that runs approximately 8-10 minutes. Do not say to yourself, "I know I'll get questions, so I am going to have something real short." You may not get any questions. 4.

How do you prepare for an oral argument in court?

How to prepare for oral argumentReview all the information in the appeal. ... Do not plan too much to say. ... Focus your argument on legal issues. ... Make an outline. ... Check the laws that you referenced in your brief. ... Notify the court and other parties if you find new laws. ... Do not focus on visuals. ... Practice your argument.More items...

What is the best bet for an amateur boxer?

Skip it. A courtroom is a civilized version of a boxing ring. The best bet for an amateur boxer is to avoid the knockout punch. You can only lose ground at oral argument when battling against people who are in the courtroom every day.#N#Good luck to you...

Can a pro pers appeal?

Pro Pers usually don't even file appeals. But as a self-represented party you will need to be prepared to answer any and all questions posed to you by the panel of judges hearing the case. The time you request depends on the points you believe are important to argue your case. There are no witnesses nor are you allowed to introduce any evidence into the case. You need to tell the court why the lower court either abused its discretion or made a ruling contradicted by existing law. Good luck.

1 attorney answer

You can read the rules here:#N#http://appeals.cuyahogacounty.us/PDF/Localrules.pdf#page29#N#After the briefs are filed, the court brings the parties in to make their arguments...

Matthew Oberlin Williams

You can read the rules here:#N#http://appeals.cuyahogacounty.us/PDF/Localrules.pdf#page29#N#After the briefs are filed, the court brings the parties in to make their arguments...