Appellate Brief Word Limits, Typeface Rules and Filing Deadlines in All 50 States, D.C. and the Federal Circuits

Alabama

Alabama Supreme Court, Court of Civil Appeals and Court of Criminal Appeals (one set of rules)

Source: Alabama Rules of Appellate Procedure

Principal brief limit

14,000 words (70 pages if filed pro se)Ala. R. App. P. 28(j)(1)

Reply brief limit

7,000 words (35 pages if filed pro se)Ala. R. App. P. 28(j)(1)

Typeface and font size

Century Schoolbook 14, including footnotesAla. R. App. P. 32(a)(7)

Margins and line spacing

At least 1 inch on all four sides; double-spaced; text fully justifiedAla. R. App. P. 32(a)(6), (7)

Opening brief due

28 days after the date on the trial clerk's certificate of completion of the recordAla. R. App. P. 31(a)

Appellee brief due

21 days after the appellant's brief is filedAla. R. App. P. 31(a)

Reply brief due

14 days after the appellee's brief is filedAla. R. App. P. 31(a)

Court of last resort. The Supreme Court uses the same Rules 28, 31 and 32.

Notes. Word limits were adopted by the amendment to Rule 28(j)(1) effective October 1, 2024 (pro se filers keep page limits). The count runs from the statement of the case and excludes the cover, oral argument statement, table of contents, statement of jurisdiction, table of authorities, certificate of compliance, signature block, certificate of service, appendices and exhibits. Death penalty cases: 16,000 words principal, 8,000 reply (Rule 28(j)(2)). Criminal appeals use the same 28/21/14 day schedule (Rule 31(a)). Rule 31(d): only one extension of up to 7 days.

Alaska

Alaska Supreme Court and Court of Appeals (one set of rules)

Source: Alaska Rules of Appellate Procedure

Principal brief limit

50 numbered pages (counting from the jurisdictional statement); no word limitAlaska R. App. P. 212(c)(4)

Reply brief limit

20 pagesAlaska R. App. P. 212(c)(4)

Typeface and font size

At least 13-point proportional serif or 12.5-point sans serif (12-point Courier only if nothing else)Alaska R. App. P. 513.5(c)(1)

Margins and line spacing

Left and right margins 1 inch; text block no more than 6.5 x 9.5 inches; double-spacedAlaska R. App. P. 212(b); 513.5(b)(3), (5)

Opening brief due

30 days after the court gives notice of the due date for appellant's brief (after the record is complete)Alaska R. App. P. 212(a)(1)(A)

Appellee brief due

30 days after service of the appellant's briefAlaska R. App. P. 212(a)(1)(A)

Reply brief due

20 days after service of the appellee's brief (reply or notice of no reply is mandatory)Alaska R. App. P. 212(a)(1)(A)

Court of last resort. The Supreme Court and Court of Appeals use the same Rule 212.

Notes. Page limits only; Alaska has no word-count rule. The Rule 210(f) notice issues when the clerk of the appellate courts has the completed record and transcript ("Upon completion of the prepared record and receipt of the transcript, the clerk of the appellate courts shall give notice of the due date for the appellant's brief"). Cross-appeal single brief 50 pages; combined reply/cross-answer 50 pages with the reply portion capped at 20 (Rule 212(c)(6)). Rule 212 last amended by SCO 2029 effective April 15, 2025. Briefs go through a clerk compliance check before bound copies are filed (Rule 212(a)(1)(C), (a)(2)). Child custody and certain expedited appeals have shorter schedules (e.g. Rule 218).

Arizona

Arizona Court of Appeals (Divisions One and Two) and Supreme Court

Source: Arizona Rules of Civil Appellate Procedure (ARCAP)

Principal brief limit

14,000 words (opening and answering briefs)ARCAP 14(a)(1)

Reply brief limit

7,000 wordsARCAP 14(a)(2)

Typeface and font size

Easily readable 14-point font, footnotes included; proportional serif fonts preferredARCAP 4(b)(2), (8)

Margins and line spacing

At least 1 inch on all sides; double-spaced; no more than 280 words per page on averageARCAP 4(b)(4), (7), (9)

Opening brief due

60 days after the appellate clerk distributes the initial notice (docketing), not after the recordARCAP 15(a)(1); 12(b)(2)

Appellee brief due

40 days after service of the appellant's briefARCAP 15(a)(2)

Reply brief due

20 days after service of the answering briefARCAP 15(a)(3)

Notes. Word limits exclude the cover, caption, table of contents, table of citations, paragraph numbers, date and signature block, certificates of service and compliance, and any appendix (ARCAP 4(b)(9)); a certificate of compliance is required (ARCAP 14(a)(5), Form 2). ARCAP 15(a) was amended effective January 1, 2024: the opening brief clock now runs 60 days from the clerk's initial notice under Rule 12(b), which issues when the appeal is docketed. Cross-appeal: combined answering/opening brief 40 days after the opening brief, combined reply/answering brief 40 days after that, cross-reply 20 days (ARCAP 15(a)(4), (5)). Criminal appeals use the Arizona Rules of Criminal Procedure (Rule 31), not ARCAP.

Arkansas

Arkansas Supreme Court and Court of Appeals (one set of rules)

Source: Rules of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals of the State of Arkansas

Principal brief limit

8,600 words (appellant's and appellee's briefs)Ark. Sup. Ct. R. 4-2(d)(1)

Reply brief limit

2,875 wordsArk. Sup. Ct. R. 4-2(d)(2)

Typeface and font size

Proportionally spaced serif, at least 14 points (sans serif allowed in headings and captions)Ark. Sup. Ct. R. 4-1(d)

Margins and line spacing

At least 1 inch all sides (2-inch top margin on cover); double-spaced, footnotes tooArk. Sup. Ct. R. 4-1(b), (c)

Opening brief due

40 days after the record is lodgedArk. Sup. Ct. R. 4-4(b)

Appellee brief due

30 days after the appellant's brief is filedArk. Sup. Ct. R. 4-4(c)

Reply brief due

15 days after the appellee's briefArk. Sup. Ct. R. 4-4(d)

Court of last resort. Supreme Court uses the same rules.

Notes. Only the jurisdictional statement, statement of the case and facts, argument and request for relief count toward the word limit (Rule 4-2(d)). Cross-appeal: appellee/cross-appellant 14,325 words; reply/cross-appellee 11,475 words (Rule 4-2(d)(3), (4)). Footnote lines must be double-spaced (Rule 4-1(b)). A certificate of compliance with Administrative Order 19, AO 21 section 9 and the word limits is required (Rule 4-2(a)(10)); no external hyperlinks. Noncompliant but substantially compliant briefs get a 7-day compliance extension (Rule 4-4(g)(1)). Criminal briefs are governed by Rule 4-3. Rules 4-1, 4-2 and 4-4 were last amended effective December 17, 2020 per their history notes.

California

California Courts of Appeal (Supreme Court merits briefs under rule 8.520)

Source: California Rules of Court, Title 8 (Appellate Rules)

Principal brief limit

14,000 words including footnotes (50 pages if typewritten)Cal. Rules of Court, rule 8.204(c)(1), (2)

Reply brief limit

14,000 words (same limit applies to every brief in the Court of Appeal)Cal. Rules of Court, rule 8.204(c)(1)

Typeface and font size

13-point proportionally spaced serif, footnotes included (Century Schoolbook preferred)Cal. Rules of Court, rule 8.74(b)(1); 8.204(b)(4)

Margins and line spacing

1.5 inches left and right, 1 inch top and bottom; 1.5 line spacing; left-aligned, not justifiedCal. Rules of Court, rule 8.74(b)(2)-(4); 8.204(b)(5), (6)

Opening brief due

40 days after the record (or reporter's transcript) is filed in the reviewing courtCal. Rules of Court, rule 8.212(a)(1)(A)

Appellee brief due

30 days after the appellant files its opening briefCal. Rules of Court, rule 8.212(a)(2)

Reply brief due

20 days after the respondent's brief is filedCal. Rules of Court, rule 8.212(a)(3)

Court of last resort. Supreme Court (rule 8.520): opening and answer briefs on the merits 14,000 words, reply 8,400 words; opening brief due 30 days after the order of review, answer 30 days later, reply 20 days after the answer.

Notes. Excluded from the count: tables, cover information, Certificate of Interested Entities or Persons, the word-count certificate, signature block, and attachments (rule 8.204(c)(3)); a word-count certificate is required. Attachments capped at 10 pages (8.204(d)). Rule 8.74(b) governs briefs prepared for e-filing and prevails over other format rules (8.74(d)); paper-format rule 8.204(b) likewise requires 13-point minimum, 1.5 spacing and 1.5/1-inch margins. Rule 8.74 subdivision (a) was amended effective July 1, 2026 (cover/first-page and filing mechanics, not font or margins). Appeals with no reporter's transcript after a rule 8.124 election: opening brief 70 days after the election. Parties may stipulate to up to 60 days of extensions per brief (8.212(b)). Criminal appeals: 25,500 words (rule 8.360(b)(1)) with separate deadlines in rule 8.360(c). Cross-appeals: combined briefs may be double the limit (8.204(c)(4)).

Colorado

Colorado Court of Appeals and Supreme Court (one set of rules)

Source: Colorado Appellate Rules (C.A.R.)

Principal brief limit

9,500 words (opening and answer briefs); 30 pages for pro se without word processorC.A.R. 28(g)(1), (2)

Reply brief limit

5,700 words (18 pages for pro se without word processor)C.A.R. 28(g)(1), (2)

Typeface and font size

14-point or larger plain Roman serif, footnotes included (caption may be 12-point)C.A.R. 32(a)(1), (2)

Margins and line spacing

At least 1.5 inches top, 1 inch left, right and bottom; double-spacedC.A.R. 32(a)(3)

Opening brief due

42 days after the record is filedC.A.R. 31(a)

Appellee brief due

35 days after service of the opening briefC.A.R. 31(a)

Reply brief due

21 days after service of the answer briefC.A.R. 31(a)

Notes. Headings, footnotes and quotations count; the caption, tables, certificate of compliance, certificate of service and signature block do not (C.A.R. 28(g)(1)). A certificate of compliance on a separate page behind the caption is required (C.A.R. 32(h), amended 2023). Cross-appeals: opening 42 days after the record, then 35/35/21 days (C.A.R. 31(a)). Dependency and neglect appeals follow C.A.R. 3.4.

Connecticut

Connecticut Appellate Court and Supreme Court (one set of rules)

Source: Connecticut Practice Book, Rules of Appellate Procedure (2026 edition)

Principal brief limit

13,500 words for e-filed briefs (35 pages for paper filers exempt from e-filing)Conn. Practice Book § 67-3A; § 67-3

Reply brief limit

6,500 words (15 pages for paper filers)Conn. Practice Book § 67-5A

Typeface and font size

12-point serif font including footnotes; headings 14-point serifConn. Practice Book § 67-2A(b)

Margins and line spacing

1.5 inches on all sides; line spacing 1.3x to 1.5x, uniform throughout; left alignedConn. Practice Book § 67-2A(b)

Opening brief due

45 days after delivery date of initial transcript order or after clerk appendix is sent, whichever laterConn. Practice Book § 67-3A

Appellee brief due

30 days after the appellant's brief is filed (or delivery of appellee-ordered transcript, if later)Conn. Practice Book § 67-3A

Reply brief due

20 days after the filing of the last appellee's briefConn. Practice Book § 67-5A

Court of last resort. Supreme Court uses the same Chapter 67 rules.

Notes. Word limits exclude party appendices, cover, table of contents, table of authorities, statement of issues, signature block and certifications (§ 67-3A). Cross appeals: appellee/cross appellant 18,000 words; cross appellee/reply 16,000 words (§ 67-3A). Extra 2,000 words (800 in reply) on request for an independent state constitutional claim. Where no transcript is needed, the appellant's brief is due 45 days after the clerk appendix is sent. The 2026 edition (effective Jan. 1, 2026) dropped the paper-copy requirement for e-filed briefs (§ 67-2A). Amendments adopted June 2026 and published in the Connecticut Law Journal of July 14, 2026 take effect January 1, 2027: the list of trial court exhibits referenced in the brief is excluded from the word count, reply briefs must contain specified sections, and an appellee supporting the appellant must file by the appellant's due date; the word limits and deadlines above are unchanged by that package.

Delaware

Delaware Supreme Court (no intermediate appellate court)

Source: Rules of the Supreme Court of the State of Delaware (as amended through Feb. 2, 2026)

Principal brief limit

10,000 words (opening or answering brief)Del. Supr. Ct. R. 14(d)(i)

Reply brief limit

5,500 wordsDel. Supr. Ct. R. 14(d)(i)

Typeface and font size

Times New Roman 14-point, including footnotesDel. Supr. Ct. R. 13(a)(i)

Margins and line spacing

At least 1 inch top, bottom and sides; double spacing (long quotes and footnotes single-spaced)Del. Supr. Ct. R. 13(a)(ii)

Opening brief due

30 days after the record is filed (45 days after the notice of appeal if no transcript ordered)Del. Supr. Ct. R. 15(a)(i)

Appellee brief due

30 days after service of the appellant's briefDel. Supr. Ct. R. 15(a)(ii)

Reply brief due

15 days after service of the appellee's brief (30 days if it answers a cross-appeal)Del. Supr. Ct. R. 15(a)(iii)

Court of last resort. Delaware has no intermediate appellate court; these are the Supreme Court's own rules.

Notes. Cross-appeals: appellee answering/opening 14,000 words, appellant reply/answering 10,000, cross-appeal reply 5,500 (Rule 14(d)(i)). The front cover, tables required by Rule 14(b)(i) and (ii), signature block and any Rule 10.2(5) footer are excluded; everything else counts. A certificate of compliance with the typeface and word limits is required (Rule 14(d)(ii); Form R). Extensions are discouraged (Rule 15(b)). Criminal and juvenile delinquency appeals have added rules (Rule 26); TPR appeals Rule 26.1.

District of Columbia

District of Columbia Court of Appeals (the highest court of D.C.; there is no intermediate appellate court)

Source: Rules of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals

Principal brief limit

50 pages (page limit only; no word-count alternative)D.C. App. R. 32(a)(5)

Reply brief limit

20 pagesD.C. App. R. 32(a)(5)

Typeface and font size

14-point or larger, including footnotes, in Times New Roman, Arial, or similarly readable typefaceD.C. App. R. 32(a)(4)

Margins and line spacing

At least 1 inch on all four sides; double-spaced (long quotes, headings, footnotes may be single-spaced)D.C. App. R. 32(a)(3)

Opening brief due

40 days after the Clerk notifies the parties that the record is filedD.C. App. R. 31(a)(1)

Appellee brief due

30 days after the appellant's brief is servedD.C. App. R. 31(a)(1)

Reply brief due

21 days after service of the appellee's brief (and at least 7 days before oral argument)D.C. App. R. 31(a)(1)

Court of last resort. The D.C. Court of Appeals is the court of last resort; the same rules apply to all appeals.

Notes. Limits are in pages only. Headings, footnotes and quotations count; the title page, parties/disclosure list, table of contents, table of authorities (Rule 28(a)(1)-(4)) and the statutes addendum (Rule 28(f)) do not count. If a motion for summary affirmance is denied after the record notice, the appellant's 40 days run from the denial. Consolidated appeals: responsive briefs run from service of the latest brief (Rule 31(a)(2)).

Florida

Florida District Courts of Appeal and Supreme Court of Florida (one set of rules)

Source: Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure (with Fla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin. 2.520 for margins)

Principal brief limit

13,000 words (computer-generated), or 50 pages if handwritten/typewrittenFla. R. App. P. 9.210(a)(2)(B)

Reply brief limit

4,000 words, or 15 pages if handwritten/typewrittenFla. R. App. P. 9.210(a)(2)(B)

Typeface and font size

Arial 14-point or Bookman Old Style 14-point only (computer-generated documents)Fla. R. App. P. 9.045(b)

Margins and line spacing

At least 1-inch margins on all sides; text double-spacedFla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin. 2.520(a)(3); Fla. R. App. P. 9.045(b)

Opening brief due

70 days after filing the notice of appeal (final-order appeals)Fla. R. App. P. 9.110(f)

Appellee brief due

30 days after service of the initial briefFla. R. App. P. 9.210(g)

Reply brief due

30 days after service of the answer briefFla. R. App. P. 9.210(g)

Court of last resort. Supreme Court of Florida uses the same Rule 9.210 limits; briefs on jurisdiction are capped at 2,500 words or 10 pages (Rule 9.210(a)(2)(A)).

Notes. Excluded from the count: cover sheet, tables of contents and citations, certificates of service and compliance, and the signature block (9.210(a)(2)(E)); headings, footnotes and quotations count (9.045(e)). A certificate of compliance with font and word count is required (9.045(e)). Double spacing: 9.045(b); footnotes and quotations may be single-spaced but in the same type size. Cross-appeals: answer/cross-initial brief 22,000 words or 85 pages; reply/cross-answer 13,000 words or 50 pages; cross-reply 4,000 words or 15 pages. Capital appeals: 25,000 words initial/answer and 10,000 reply (9.210(a)(2)(C)). The opening-brief clock runs from the notice of appeal, not the record. Nonfinal-order appeals (9.130) and other proceedings have their own schedules.

Georgia

Court of Appeals of Georgia (own rules); Supreme Court of Georgia has separate rules

Source: Rules of the Court of Appeals of the State of Georgia

Principal brief limit

8,400 words in civil cases (14,000 in criminal); 30 pages civil if typewritten/handwrittenGa. Ct. App. R. 24(f)(1)-(2)

Reply brief limit

4,200 words; 15 pages if typewritten/handwrittenGa. Ct. App. R. 24(f)(1)-(2)

Typeface and font size

Serif, proportionally spaced typeface of 14-point or larger (monospaced prohibited)Ga. Ct. App. R. 2(c)(3)

Margins and line spacing

At least 1 inch at top, sides and bottom; double spacingGa. Ct. App. R. 24(c); R. 2(c)(2)

Opening brief due

20 days after the appeal is docketedGa. Ct. App. R. 23(a)

Appellee brief due

40 days after docketing or 20 days after appellant's brief is filed, whichever is laterGa. Ct. App. R. 23(b)

Reply brief due

20 days from the date the appellee's brief is filedGa. Ct. App. R. 23(c)

Court of last resort. Supreme Court of Georgia differs materially: principal briefs 10,000 words (30 pages if typed/handwritten) and reply 7,000 words (20 pages) in civil and criminal cases (Ga. Sup. Ct. R. 20(1)-(2)); appellant 20 days after docketing, appellee 40 days after docketing or 20 days after appellant's brief, reply within 50 days after docketing or 10 days after the response brief, whichever is later (Ga. Sup. Ct. R. 10).

Notes. Excluded from the count: tables of contents and citations, cover sheets, certificates of service and word-count compliance (24(f)(3)). A word-count certification is required just above the signature block. Deadlines run from docketing, which happens only after the notice of appeal, record and transcripts are filed with the Court (Rule 12), not from service. The appellee's brief is optional except for the State in criminal cases. Criminal briefs get 14,000 words (50 pages if typed). Double spacing: Rule 2(c)(2), excluding block quotations, headings, captions and footnotes.

Hawaii

Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals and Supreme Court (one set of rules)

Source: Hawaii Rules of Appellate Procedure (HRAP)

Principal brief limit

35 pages (opening or answering brief); no word-count alternativeHRAP 28(a)

Reply brief limit

10 pagesHRAP 28(a)

Typeface and font size

Equivalent of 12-point pica, no more than 14 characters per inch; 12-point Times New Roman, Courier New or Arial deemed compliantHRAP 32(b)

Margins and line spacing

Not less than 1-inch margins all around; double or 1.5 line spacingHRAP 32(a)-(b)

Opening brief due

40 days after the record on appeal is filedHRAP 28(b)

Appellee brief due

40 days after service of the opening brief (or docketing, whichever is later)HRAP 28(c)

Reply brief due

14 days after service of the answering briefHRAP 28(d)

Court of last resort. Supreme Court review of ICA decisions is by application for writ of certiorari, limited to 12 pages (HRAP 40.1(d)); cases brought originally in the Supreme Court use the Rule 28 limits.

Notes. Page limits only; indexes, appendices and the statement of related cases are excluded. Lines 'double spaced or one and one-half spaced' except headings, quotations, citations, indexes, footnotes and appendices (32(b)); footnotes and quotations must be in the same font and size as text. Documents need a flyleaf with a 3-inch top margin or a 3x3 inch top-right space (32(a)). If no reply brief will be filed, the appellant must file a notification before the reply deadline (28(d)). Cross-appeals require separate opening/answering/reply briefs (28(h)). The clerk grants one extension of up to 30 days for opening/answering and 10 days for reply on timely request (Rule 29(a)). The consolidated HRAP PDF on the Judiciary site is dated 07/01/2026 (release 06/26); later amendments listed there (Rule 50, eff. 07/14/2026; Rule 35, eff. 07/21/2026; Rule 4, eff. 01/01/2027) do not touch these brief rules. Rule 28 last amended Aug. 30, 2021, eff. Jan. 1, 2022. Child protective appeals follow separate expediting rules.

Idaho

Idaho Supreme Court and Idaho Court of Appeals (one set of rules; all briefs filed with the Supreme Court clerk)

Source: Idaho Appellate Rules (I.A.R.)

Principal brief limit

14,000 words (first brief filed by a party); handwritten prisoner briefs 50 pagesI.A.R. 34(b)(1), (b)(3)

Reply brief limit

7,000 words; handwritten prisoner reply 25 pagesI.A.R. 34(b)(1), (b)(3)

Typeface and font size

Times New Roman or Century Schoolbook only, proportionally spaced, 14-point or larger for text and footnotesI.A.R. 36(b)(2)-(3)

Margins and line spacing

At least 1 inch on all sides; double-spaced (headings, footnotes, block quotes may be single)I.A.R. 36(b)(1)

Opening brief due

35 days after the reporter's transcript and clerk's or agency record are filed with the Supreme CourtI.A.R. 34(c)

Appellee brief due

28 days after service of the appellant's briefI.A.R. 34(c)

Reply brief due

21 days after service of the respondent's briefI.A.R. 34(c)

Court of last resort. Same rules for the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals (cases are assigned by the Supreme Court).

Notes. Recent amendment: I.A.R. 34 and 36 were amended April 29, 2026, effective July 1, 2026; the current text uses word limits and a 14-point Times New Roman/Century Schoolbook requirement (older secondary sources show page limits). Headings, footnotes and quoted material count; front cover, caption page, tables, signature block, certificates and appendices do not (34(b)). A word-count certificate stating the number of words must appear immediately before the signature (34(b)(4)). Capital unitary-review cases: 28,000 words first brief, 14,000 reply (34(b)(2)). Unrepresented parties without word processing may file typewritten briefs in standard 12-point type (36(c)). Cross-respondent's brief due 28 days after the cross-appellant's brief.

Illinois

Illinois Appellate Court and Supreme Court (Supreme Court Rules, Article III, govern all reviewing courts)

Source: Illinois Supreme Court Rules (Rules 341 and 343)

Principal brief limit

50 pages, or alternatively 15,000 wordsIll. S. Ct. R. 341(b)(1)

Reply brief limit

20 pages, or alternatively 6,000 wordsIll. S. Ct. R. 341(b)(1)

Typeface and font size

12-point or larger throughout, including quotes and footnotes; condensed type prohibitedIll. S. Ct. R. 341(a)

Margins and line spacing

At least 1.5 inches on the left, 1 inch on the other three sides; double-spacedIll. S. Ct. R. 341(a)

Opening brief due

35 days from the filing of the record on appealIll. S. Ct. R. 343(a)

Appellee brief due

35 days from the due date of the appellant's briefIll. S. Ct. R. 343(a)

Reply brief due

14 days from the due date of the appellee's briefIll. S. Ct. R. 343(a)

Court of last resort. Rule 341 governs briefs in the Supreme Court as well; appeals on petition for leave to appeal (Rule 315) follow the Rule 315 briefing timetable instead of Rule 343.

Notes. Excluded from the length: Rule 341(d) cover, the 341(h)(1) table of contents and statement of points and authorities, the 341(c) certificate of compliance, the certificate of service, and the Rule 342(a) appendix. A signed certificate of compliance in the wording prescribed by 341(c) is required. Cross-appeals: an additional 30 pages or 9,000 words each; cross-appellant's reply 20 pages or 6,000 words. Rule 341 last amended Sept. 30, 2020, eff. Oct. 1, 2020; Rule 343 last amended March 26, 2008, eff. July 1, 2008. Rule 343 deadlines run from the prior brief's due date, not from service. Interlocutory appeals (Rules 306, 307, 308) and petitions (315, 317) have different schedules. Headings, quotations of two or more lines, and footnotes may be single-spaced. Required cover colors apply to electronic and paper briefs: appellant white, appellee light blue, reply light yellow.

Indiana

Indiana Court of Appeals and Supreme Court (one set of rules)

Source: Indiana Rules of Appellate Procedure

Principal brief limit

14,000 words with a word-count certificate; otherwise 30 pagesInd. App. R. 44(D)-(E)

Reply brief limit

7,000 words with certificate, otherwise 15 pages (14,000 words or 30 pages if also the cross-appellee's brief)Ind. App. R. 44(D)-(E)

Typeface and font size

12-point or larger in text and footnotes, from a list of approved fonts (e.g. Times New Roman, Arial, Georgia)Ind. App. R. 43(D)

Margins and line spacing

At least 1 inch on all four sides; double-spacedInd. App. R. 43(G), 43(E)

Opening brief due

30 days after the trial clerk serves the Notice of Completion of Clerk's Record or of the TranscriptInd. App. R. 45(B)(1)

Appellee brief due

30 days after service of the appellant's briefInd. App. R. 45(B)(2)

Reply brief due

15 days after service of the appellee's brief (30 days if it is also the cross-appellee's brief)Ind. App. R. 45(B)(3)

Court of last resort. Supreme Court review is by Petition to Transfer: 4,200 words or 10 pages for the petition and the response, and 1,000 words or 3 pages for a reply (Ind. App. R. 44(D)-(E)).

Notes. Excluded from the limits: cover information, table of contents, table of authorities, signature block, certificate of service, word count certificate, and the appealed judgment or order and Rule 46(A)(10) items; headings and footnotes count (44(C)). Word-count certificate wording is prescribed in 44(F). Oversize motions must be filed at least 15 days before the brief is due and state words, not pages (44(B)). All text double-spaced except footnotes, tables, charts and block quotes (43(E)). Each page except the front page needs a header naming the party and document (43(H)). The 3-day mail extension of Rule 25(C) does not extend the appellant's brief deadline. Official pages show Rule 43 effective July 1, 2018; Rule 44 effective Jan. 1, 2010; Rule 45 effective Jan. 1, 2016.

Iowa

Iowa Supreme Court and Court of Appeals (one set of rules; appeals are filed in the Supreme Court and may be transferred)

Source: Iowa Rules of Appellate Procedure (Iowa Court Rules ch. 6)

Principal brief limit

13,000 words (proportional type) or 1,300 lines (monospaced); handwritten 50 pagesIowa R. App. P. 6.903(1)(i)(1)-(3)

Reply brief limit

Half the principal limit (6,500 words or 650 lines); handwritten 25 pagesIowa R. App. P. 6.903(1)(i)(1)-(3)

Typeface and font size

Proportional serif 14-point or larger (including footnotes), or monospaced at no more than 10.5 characters per inchIowa R. App. P. 6.903(1)(g)

Margins and line spacing

1 inch on all sides; double-spacedIowa R. App. P. 6.903(1)(e)

Opening brief due

50 days after the clerk gives notice of the briefing deadline (issued once all transcripts are filed)Iowa R. App. P. 6.901(1)(a); 6.803(6)

Appellee brief due

30 days after service of the appellant's briefIowa R. App. P. 6.901(1)(b)

Reply brief due

21 days after service of the appellee's briefIowa R. App. P. 6.901(1)(c)

Court of last resort. Same rules for the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals.

Notes. Headings, footnotes and quotations count; captions, tables of contents and authorities, statements of the issues, signature blocks and certificates do not (6.903(1)(i)). A certificate of compliance (Form 7) is required. Quotations over 50 words may be indented and single-spaced; headings and footnotes may be single-spaced. Page numbers bottom center, cover counts as page one, no Roman numerals (6.903(1)(f)). Expedited cases under 6.902 (custody, adoption, TPR, guilty-plea criminal appeals, commitments, etc.) have briefing times cut in half, with replies in 15 days. The briefing notice issues when all transcripts are filed (6.803(6)). The reply figure of 6,500 words is computed from the rule's 'half of the type volume' language. Chapter 6 PDF on the Legislature's court-rules site is dated December 2025; Rule 6.901 last amended by orders of Sept. 29, 2023 (eff. April 1, 2024) and May 24, 2024.

Kansas

Kansas Court of Appeals and Kansas Supreme Court (one set of Supreme Court Rules, Chapter 6 on briefs)

Source: Rules Adopted by the Kansas Supreme Court (Rules Relating to Appellate Practice)

Principal brief limit

50 pages (appellant or appellee); 60 pages for a combined appellee and cross-appellant briefKan. Sup. Ct. R. 6.07(c)(1), (2)

Reply brief limit

15 pagesKan. Sup. Ct. R. 6.07(c)(6)

Typeface and font size

Conventional font not smaller than 12-point, max 12 characters per inch (13-point suggested)Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 6.07(a)(1)

Margins and line spacing

1-inch margins on 8.5 x 11 page; text block max 6.5 x 9 inches; double-spacedKan. Sup. Ct. R. 1.05(a); R. 6.07(a)(1)

Opening brief due

30 days after service of the certificate of transcript filing (40 days after docketing if none pending)Kan. Sup. Ct. R. 6.01(b)(1)(A), (B)

Appellee brief due

30 days after the appellant's brief is servedKan. Sup. Ct. R. 6.01(b)(2)

Reply brief due

14 days after service of the brief being replied toKan. Sup. Ct. R. 6.01(b)(5)

Court of last resort. Same rules for the Kansas Supreme Court (Rule 6.07 cover must read "IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF KANSAS"); no separate limits.

Notes. Page limits exclude cover, table of contents, appendix and certificate of service; a motion to exceed must be filed before the brief and state a specific page total (R. 6.07(d)). Kansas uses page limits only, no word count. Opening-brief trigger: 40 days after docketing if no transcript was ordered or all transcripts were filed before docketing (6.01(b)(1)(A)); 30 days after a statement under Rule 3.04 or 3.05 is filed (6.01(b)(1)(C)). Cross-appeal: appellee/cross-appellant 60 pages, cross-appellee 25 pages, cross-appellee brief due 21 days after cross-appellant brief served. A reply brief is allowed only if made necessary by new material in the appellee brief (R. 6.05). Cover must be white (6.07(b)). Rule 1.05 amended effective January 6, 2025; Rule 6.07 last amended December 19, 2016; Rule 6.01 last amended July 1, 2012. Criminal and postconviction briefs: see Rule 6.10.

Kentucky

Kentucky Court of Appeals and Kentucky Supreme Court (Rules of Appellate Procedure, effective 2023)

Source: Kentucky Rules of Appellate Procedure (official text published by the Kentucky Court of Justice on Westlaw)

Principal brief limit

See ruleKy. RAP (briefing rules)

Reply brief limit

See ruleKy. RAP (briefing rules)

Typeface and font size

See ruleKy. RAP (briefing rules)

Margins and line spacing

See ruleKy. RAP (briefing rules)

Opening brief due

See ruleKy. RAP (briefing rules)

Appellee brief due

See ruleKy. RAP (briefing rules)

Reply brief due

See ruleKy. RAP (briefing rules)

Notes. Kentucky replaced its Civil Rules on appeals with the Rules of Appellate Procedure effective January 1, 2023.

Louisiana

Louisiana Courts of Appeal, First through Fifth Circuits (Uniform Rules); Louisiana Supreme Court has its own rules

Source: Uniform Rules, Louisiana Courts of Appeal

Principal brief limit

41 pages on 8.5 x 11 paper (31 pages on legal-size paper)Unif. R. La. Ct. App. 2-12.2

Reply brief limit

18 pages on 8.5 x 11 paper (13 pages on legal-size paper)Unif. R. La. Ct. App. 2-12.2

Typeface and font size

Times New Roman 14-point or larger (or max 10 characters per inch typewriter)Unif. R. La. Ct. App. 2-12.2

Margins and line spacing

1-inch margins on each side and at top and bottom; double-spacedUnif. R. La. Ct. App. 2-12.2

Opening brief due

25 calendar days after the record is lodged in the court of appealUnif. R. La. Ct. App. 2-12.7

Appellee brief due

45 calendar days after the record is lodged (not keyed to the appellant brief)Unif. R. La. Ct. App. 2-12.7

Reply brief due

10 calendar days after the appellee brief is filedUnif. R. La. Ct. App. 2-12.7

Court of last resort. The Louisiana Supreme Court has its own rules (Rule VII governs briefs) rather than the Uniform Rules of the Courts of Appeal.

Notes. Page limits exclude the cover, tables of contents and authorities, the copy of the judgment and reasons, and the certificate of service. A margin of at least one inch at top and bottom is also required (2-12.2(D)). A motion to exceed the page limit must be filed before the due date and is granted only for extraordinary and compelling reasons. Rule 2-12.2 amended by the Louisiana Conference of Court of Appeal Judges April 13, 2023, effective July 1, 2023; the Uniform Rules as amended and restated took effect January 1, 2023 (Rule 1-1.1). If the appellant gets an extension, the appellee deadline is automatically extended 20 days from the appellant extended date (2-12.8). Each circuit also has local rules (e.g., copy counts).

Maine

Maine Supreme Judicial Court sitting as the Law Court (no intermediate appellate court)

Source: Maine Rules of Appellate Procedure

Principal brief limit

The greater of 40 pages or 10,000 wordsM.R. App. P. 7A(f)(1)

Reply brief limit

15 pages or 4,500 wordsM.R. App. P. 7A(f)(1)

Typeface and font size

At least 14-point font; footnotes may be 11-pointM.R. App. P. 7A(g)(2)

Margins and line spacing

1-inch margins on all sides; double-spaced (footnotes and block quotes excepted)M.R. App. P. 7A(g)(2)

Opening brief due

56 days after the record on appeal is complete (Track B, ordinary appeals)M.R. App. P. 7(b)(2)

Appellee brief due

105 days after the record on appeal is complete (Track B)M.R. App. P. 7(b)(2)

Reply brief due

21 days after the appellee's brief is filed (Track B)M.R. App. P. 7(b)(2)

Court of last resort. The Law Court is the only appellate court; these are its rules.

Notes. Track A appeals (child protection, termination of parental rights, adoption, guardianships, parental contact, parentage, involuntary commitment or medication, NCR findings, FOAA, juvenile) run faster: appellant 28 days, appellee 56 days after the record is complete, reply 14 days after the appellee brief (7(b)(1)). The Clerk sends a briefing-schedule notice with the due dates once the record is complete (7(a)). Extensions are granted only in narrow circumstances (7(b)(3)). Cover, tables, certificate of service and bound appendix are excluded from the limits (7A(f)(3)). Cross-appeal: appellee brief addressing a cross-appeal, greater of 50 pages or 13,000 words; appellant reply that also responds to a cross-appeal, greater of 30 pages or 9,000 words. Pages numbered from the cover as page 1 in Arabic numerals (7A(g)(3)); comb or spiral binding (7A(g)(4)). App. P. amendment is listed on the court rules page.

Maryland

Appellate Court of Maryland (formerly Court of Special Appeals) and Supreme Court of Maryland (formerly Court of Appeals); one set of rules, Title 8

Source: Maryland Rules, Title 8 (Appellate Review in the Supreme Court and the Appellate Court)

Principal brief limit

9,100 words in the Appellate Court (35 pages if typewritten)Md. Rule 8-503(d)(1); 8-112(b)(3)(B)(ii)

Reply brief limit

3,900 words in the Appellate Court (15 pages if typewritten)Md. Rule 8-503(d)(3); 8-112(b)(3)(B)(iv)

Typeface and font size

At least 13-point, in a Supreme Court-approved font (e.g., Times New Roman, Century Schoolbook, Georgia)Md. Rule 8-112(c)(1); Admin. Order of Sept. 27, 2023

Margins and line spacing

At least 1 inch at top, bottom and each side; double-spacedMd. Rule 8-112(c)(2), (d)

Opening brief due

Date set in the clerk's record notice, at least 40 days after the notice is sentMd. Rule 8-502(a)(1); 8-412(c)

Appellee brief due

30 days after the appellant's brief is filedMd. Rule 8-502(a)(2)

Reply brief due

The earlier of 20 days after the appellee's brief is filed or 10 days before argumentMd. Rule 8-502(a)(3)

Court of last resort. Supreme Court of Maryland: principal briefs 13,000 words, reply 6,500 words (Rule 8-503(d)); same timing rule 8-502.

Notes. Word limits exclude the tables of contents and citations, the 8-504(a)(10) material and the word-count certification; a Certification of Word Count and Compliance with Rule 8-112 is required. Approved fonts since Jan. 1, 2024: Arial Nova, Bookman Old Style, Century Schoolbook, Georgia, Georgia Pro, Helvetica, Lexend, Times New Roman. Cross-appeals: appellee/cross-appellant principal brief 13,000 words; cross-appellee brief due 30 days after that brief; cross-appellant reply 20 days after, not later than 10 days before argument. The Appellate Court website summarizes the opening deadline as "within 40 days after the clerk sends notice of the filing of the record".

Massachusetts

Massachusetts Appeals Court and Supreme Judicial Court (one set of rules)

Source: Massachusetts Rules of Appellate Procedure

Principal brief limit

11,000 words in a proportional font, or 50 pages in a monospaced fontMass. R. A. P. 20(a)(2)(A)

Reply brief limit

4,500 words in a proportional font, or 20 pages in a monospaced fontMass. R. A. P. 20(a)(2)(B)

Typeface and font size

Proportional font (e.g. Times New Roman) 14-point or larger, or monospaced 12-point, max 10.5 cpi; footnotes tooMass. R. A. P. 20(a)(4)(B)

Margins and line spacing

1 inch on all sides (proportional font; 1.5-inch sides if monospaced); double-spacedMass. R. A. P. 20(a)(4)(A), (C)

Opening brief due

40 days after the appeal is docketed in the appellate courtMass. R. A. P. 19(a)(1)

Appellee brief due

30 days after service of the appellant's briefMass. R. A. P. 19(a)(2)

Reply brief due

Earlier of 14 days after service of the appellee's brief or 7 days before argumentMass. R. A. P. 19(a)(3)

Court of last resort. The Supreme Judicial Court applies the same rules; direct appellate review (Rule 11) and further appellate review (Rule 27.1) have their own briefing schedules.

Notes. Only the parts required by Rule 16(a)(5) to (11), including headings, footnotes, visual aids and quotations, count toward the limits. The Rule 16(k) certificate must state how compliance was determined. Motions to exceed are granted only for extraordinary reasons. Cross-appeal briefs: 11,000 / 13,000 / 11,000 / 4,500 words. The cover is paginated as page 1. First-degree murder appeals follow Rule 19(c).

Michigan

Michigan Court of Appeals (MCR 7.212) and Michigan Supreme Court (MCR 7.312)

Source: Michigan Court Rules, Chapter 7 (Appellate Rules)

Principal brief limit

16,000 words (self-represented party without word processor: 50 pages)MCR 7.212(B)(1)

Reply brief limit

3,200 words (self-represented party without word processor: 10 pages)MCR 7.212(G)

Typeface and font size

12-point font (MCR 1.109: 12 or 13 point body text, footnotes at least 10 point)MCR 7.212(B)(5); MCR 1.109(D)(1)(a)

Margins and line spacing

At least 1-inch margins; 1.5-line spacing (quotes and footnotes may be single-spaced)MCR 7.212(B)(5)

Opening brief due

56 days after claim of appeal, leave order, or transcript (or settled statement) filing, whichever is laterMCR 7.212(A)(1)(a)(iii)

Appellee brief due

35 days after the appellant's brief is servedMCR 7.212(A)(2)(a)(ii)

Reply brief due

21 days after service of the appellee's briefMCR 7.212(G)

Court of last resort. Michigan Supreme Court (MCR 7.312): same form and length via MCR 7.212(B), (G). Calendar cases: appellant 56 days after the order granting leave, appellee 35 days after service, reply 21 days; cases argued on the application: 42, 21 and 14 days.

Notes. Word limit counts only the statement of facts, arguments and relief (7.212(C)(6) to (8)) plus footnotes and text in embedded graphics; a word-count statement is required after the signature block. Motions to exceed must be filed by the brief due date with the proposed brief and are disfavored. Parties may extend the appellant and appellee deadlines once by 28 days by signed stipulation. Faster track (28 days appellant, 21 days appellee) for child custody, guardianship, involuntary mental health and interlocutory criminal appeals (7.212(A)(1)(a)(i), (A)(2)(a)(i)); some appeals (e.g., under MCR 7.208(B) or 7.211(C)(1)) follow those rules. Word limits and 1.5 spacing adopted in ADM File No. 2019-16, effective September 1, 2022 (previously 50 pages); 7.212 amended again in ADM File No. 2023-04, effective May 1, 2025 (amicus provisions).

Minnesota

Minnesota Court of Appeals and Minnesota Supreme Court (one set of rules)

Source: Minnesota Rules of Civil Appellate Procedure

Principal brief limit

14,000 words (or 1,300 monospaced lines); 45 pages if not using a word/line countMinn. R. Civ. App. P. 132.01, subd. 3(a)

Reply brief limit

7,000 words (or 650 monospaced lines); 20 pages if not using a word/line countMinn. R. Civ. App. P. 132.01, subd. 3(b)

Typeface and font size

At least 13-point proportional font (monospaced: max 10.5 characters per inch)Minn. R. Civ. App. P. 132.01, subd. 1

Margins and line spacing

Text area no larger than 6.5 x 9.5 inches on 8.5 x 11 page; double-spacedMinn. R. Civ. App. P. 132.01, subd. 1

Opening brief due

30 days after delivery of the transcript (30 days after notice of appeal if no transcript)Minn. R. Civ. App. P. 131.01, subd. 1

Appellee brief due

30 days after service of the appellant's briefMinn. R. Civ. App. P. 131.01, subd. 2

Reply brief due

14 days after service of the respondent's briefMinn. R. Civ. App. P. 131.01, subd. 3

Court of last resort. Supreme Court uses the same rules; after a grant of review the opening brief runs 30 days from the order granting review (131.01, subd. 1).

Notes. Page limits (45/20) exclude tables of contents and citations and the addendum; a word or line count needs a certificate stating the word-processing software name and version and the count. Motion for an enlarged brief at least 14 days before the brief is due. Reply deadline runs from the later of service of the respondent brief or an amicus brief. Double spacing required except tables, statement of issues, headings and footnotes (132.01, subd. 1). Where the transcript was obtained before appeal or there is none, the opening brief is due 30 days after the notice of appeal; 3 days are added for a self-represented party requesting a paper transcript. Cross-appeals (131.01, subd. 4): respondent/cross-appellant 16,500 words, appellant/cross-respondent response and reply 10,000 words, each due 30 days after the prior brief; final reply 7,000 words within 14 days. Criminal appeals: Minn. R. Crim. P. 28.02, subd. 10 gives the appellant 60 days after transcript delivery, respondent 45 days, reply 15 days. Rule 131 amended effective March 1, 2024 (paper service).

Mississippi

Mississippi Supreme Court and Court of Appeals (one set of rules)

Source: Mississippi Rules of Appellate Procedure

Principal brief limit

50 pagesM.R.A.P. 28(h)

Reply brief limit

25 pagesM.R.A.P. 28(h)

Typeface and font size

Body text at least 12-point; footnotes at least 11-pointM.R.A.P. 32(a)

Margins and line spacing

1.5-inch left, 1-inch top, 3/4-inch bottom, 1/2-inch right; double-spacedM.R.A.P. 32(a)

Opening brief due

40 days after the record is filedM.R.A.P. 31(b)

Appellee brief due

30 days after service of the appellant's briefM.R.A.P. 31(b)

Reply brief due

14 days after service of the appellee's briefM.R.A.P. 31(b)

Court of last resort. Same rules and limits in the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals; cases are filed in the Supreme Court and assigned to the Court of Appeals under Rule 16.

Notes. Page limits only; the rules have no word-count alternative. Limits exclude the oral-argument statement, certificates of counsel, table of contents, tables of citations and any statutory addendum (28(h)). Cross-appeals: appellant/cross-appellee's combined brief is due 30 days after the appellee/cross-appellant's combined brief, and the cross-appellant's reply 14 days after that (31(b)). Record excerpts are required separately (Rule 30). Cover colors are prescribed (32(a)). Rule 32(a)'s page size, margin and spacing sentence sits in the paragraph that opens 'When filed conventionally', so its application to e-filed briefs is arguable; follow it anyway. Rule 26(c) adds three days when service is by mail.

Missouri

Missouri Court of Appeals (Eastern, Western and Southern Districts) and Supreme Court; Rule 84 applies to all, districts add local rules

Source: Missouri Supreme Court Rules (Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 84) plus Court of Appeals local rules

Principal brief limit

15,500 words in the Eastern and Western Districts (local rules); statewide default 31,000 wordsE.D. Local Rule 360(a)(1); W.D. Local Rule 41(A)(1); Mo. Sup. Ct. R. 84.06(b)

Reply brief limit

E.D.: 3,875 words (25% of 15,500); W.D.: 5,115 words; statewide default 7,750 wordsE.D. Local Rule 360(a); W.D. Local Rule 41(A)(3); Mo. Sup. Ct. R. 84.06(b)

Typeface and font size

Times New Roman, not smaller than 13-point, including footnotesMo. Sup. Ct. R. 84.06(a), 84.03(b)(3)

Margins and line spacing

At least 1 inch on all sides; line spacing at least 1.5Mo. Sup. Ct. R. 84.06(a), 84.03(b)(2)

Opening brief due

60 days after the record on appeal is filedMo. Sup. Ct. R. 84.05(a)

Appellee brief due

30 days after the appellant's brief is filedMo. Sup. Ct. R. 84.05(a)

Reply brief due

15 days after the respondent's brief is filedMo. Sup. Ct. R. 84.05(a)

Court of last resort. Supreme Court of Missouri applies the Rule 84.06(b) defaults: appellant 31,000 words, respondent 27,900 words, reply 7,750 words (all brief material counts except cover, certificate, signature block and appendix).

Notes. Rule 84.06(b) (amended eff. 1 Jan 2024) opens 'Except as provided by local court rules', so the Court of Appeals districts set their own lower limits. Eastern District Rule 360: 15,500 words (or 1,100 monospaced lines) for the initial brief, respondent 90% (13,950), reply 25% (3,875); tables of contents and authorities excluded. Western District Rule 41: 15,500 / 13,950 / 5,115 words; tables and appendix excluded; typewritten briefs 50/45/15 pages. Rule 84.03(b) format (1-inch margins, 1.5 spacing, 13-point Times New Roman) was readopted eff. 1 Jan 2024 and also yields to local rules. Rule 84.06(c) certificate must state the word count. Deadlines run from filing, not service. Cross-appeals: 60/30/30/15 days (84.05(b)). The Southern District's own local rule on length should be checked; without one, the Rule 84.06(b) defaults apply.

Montana

Montana Supreme Court (no intermediate appellate court)

Source: Montana Rules of Appellate Procedure

Principal brief limit

10,000 words (proportional type), or 30 pages if monospacedMont. R. App. P. 11(4)(a)-(b)

Reply brief limit

5,000 words (proportional type), or 14 pages if monospacedMont. R. App. P. 11(4)(a)-(b)

Typeface and font size

Proportional 14-point or larger, or monospaced no more than 10.5 characters per inchMont. R. App. P. 11(2)

Margins and line spacing

At least 1 inch on all sides; double-spaced (footnotes and indented quotes may be single)Mont. R. App. P. 11(3)(a)-(b)

Opening brief due

30 days after the record is filedMont. R. App. P. 13(1)

Appellee brief due

30 days after service of the appellant's briefMont. R. App. P. 13(1)

Reply brief due

14 days after service of the appellee's briefMont. R. App. P. 13(1)

Court of last resort. Not applicable; the Supreme Court is the only appellate court.

Notes. Limits exclude the table of contents, table of citations, certificates of service and compliance, and any statutory appendix (11(4)(d)). A certificate of compliance stating line spacing, typeface, point size and word count is required (11(4)(e)). Covers and components excluded from the word count are exempt from the 14-point rule. Double spacing applies to 'papers produced by typewriter or an equivalent process' (11(3)(b)). Cross-appeals: appellant's combined reply/answer brief is due 30 days after service of the cross-appellant's brief (13(1)). Cover colors prescribed (11(6)).

Nebraska

Nebraska Court of Appeals and Supreme Court (one set of rules)

Source: Nebraska Court Rules of Appellate Practice (Neb. Ct. R. App. P. ch. 2, art. 1)

Principal brief limit

15,000 words total per party, all its briefs combined (18,000 if a cross-appeal)Neb. Ct. R. App. P. § 2-103(C)(3)(a)

Reply brief limit

No separate limit; the reply counts toward the appellant's 15,000-word combined totalNeb. Ct. R. App. P. § 2-103(C)(3)(a)

Typeface and font size

Century or Century Schoolbook preferred (also TNR, Baskerville, Book Antiqua, Palatino); 12 to 13 ptNeb. Ct. R. App. P. § 2-103(A)(4)

Margins and line spacing

1.5 inches on all sides; line spacing 1.15 or 1.2; left-aligned, not justifiedNeb. Ct. R. App. P. § 2-103(A)(3)

Opening brief due

30 days after the transcript is filed, or 30 days after the bill of exceptions is due if one was requestedNeb. Ct. R. App. P. § 2-109(A)(1)

Appellee brief due

30 days after the appellant serves and files its brief (plus 3 days if served by mail)Neb. Ct. R. App. P. § 2-109(A)(2)

Reply brief due

10 days after the appellee serves and files its brief (plus 3 days if served by mail)Neb. Ct. R. App. P. § 2-109(A)(3)

Court of last resort. Same rules and limits in the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals.

Notes. Everything counts toward the word limit, including the cover page, table of contents, table of authorities and signature blocks; only the compliance certificate is excluded (2-103(C)(3)(c), (C)(4)). For appellees and cross-appellants the 15,000 words combine the appellee's brief, brief on cross-appeal and cross-appeal reply; with a cross-appeal each party gets 18,000. Motion and amicus briefs: 3,800 words. Footnotes are not permitted (2-103(A)(3)). Page numbering starts with the cover as page one. Typewritten paper briefs by self-represented filers: 50 pages, 12-point, double-spaced (2-103(C)(5)). Format rule amended eff. 1 Jan 2022; 2-109(F) (replacement briefs) amended 18 Jun 2025. No extensions in advanced cases except for exceptional cause.

Nevada

Nevada Supreme Court and Court of Appeals (one set of rules; appeals are docketed in the Supreme Court and some routed to the Court of Appeals)

Source: Nevada Rules of Appellate Procedure

Principal brief limit

14,000 words or 1,300 monospaced lines, or 30 pagesNRAP 32(a)(7)(A)

Reply brief limit

Half the opening limit (7,000 words or 650 lines), or 15 pagesNRAP 32(a)(7)(A)

Typeface and font size

Proportional 14-point or larger; monospaced max 10.5 characters per inch; footnotes same size as textNRAP 32(a)(5)

Margins and line spacing

At least 1 inch on all four sides; double-spacedNRAP 32(a)(4)

Opening brief due

120 days after the appeal is docketed in the Supreme CourtNRAP 31(a)(1)(A)

Appellee brief due

30 days after the appellant's brief is servedNRAP 31(a)(1)(B)

Reply brief due

30 days after the respondent's brief is servedNRAP 31(a)(1)(C)

Court of last resort. Same rules and limits in the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals.

Notes. Excluded from the count: disclosure statement, tables, jurisdictional and routing statements, statement of the issues, signature blocks, certificates and any addendum; everything from the introduction/statement of the case to the end of the conclusion counts, including footnotes (32(a)(7)(C)). Certificate of compliance required (32(a)(9)). The reply figure (7,000 words / 650 lines) is derived from the rule's 'half' formula. Capital cases: 37,000 words or 80 pages; reply half. Termination of parental rights: 90 / 21 / 14 days (31(a)(2)). Capital direct appeals: 120 days from filing of the record, then 60 and 45 days (31(a)(3)). Fast-track rules and court orders can displace the schedule (31(a)). One streamlined 30-day extension is available per brief (31(b)(2)). Rules 31 and 32 amended effective 15 Aug 2024.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire Supreme Court (no intermediate appellate court)

Source: Rules of the Supreme Court of the State of New Hampshire

Principal brief limit

9,500 wordsN.H. Sup. Ct. R. 16(11)

Reply brief limit

3,000 wordsN.H. Sup. Ct. R. 16(11)

Typeface and font size

Size 13 font (or standard typewriter characters)N.H. Sup. Ct. R. 16(11)

Margins and line spacing

At least 1.5 inches on all sides; lines spaced at 1.5; left-aligned onlyN.H. Sup. Ct. R. 16(1), 16(11)

Opening brief due

Date set by the clerk's scheduling order (no fixed period in the rules)N.H. Sup. Ct. R. 12-B(1), 16(7)

Appellee brief due

Date set by the clerk's scheduling order (no fixed period in the rules)N.H. Sup. Ct. R. 12-B(1), 16(7)

Reply brief due

Earlier of 20 days after the opposing brief or 10 days before oral argumentN.H. Sup. Ct. R. 16(7)

Court of last resort. Not applicable; the Supreme Court is the only appellate court.

Notes. Limits exclude the table of contents, tables of citations and any addendum of constitutional/statutory text. Cross-appeals: moving party's opening and answering briefs 9,500 words each, cross-appellant's opposing brief 14,000 words, cross-appellant's reply 3,000 (16(11)). In mandatory appeals the opposing party may file a memorandum of law of up to 4,000 words instead of a brief, which waives oral argument (16(4)(b)). 3JX panel cases use the same 9,500 / 3,000 limits (Rule 12-D). A statement of compliance with the word limit and a word-count certification are required (26(7)). Pages are numbered from the cover as page 1. A party may take an automatic extension of up to 15 days by filing a notice all parties assent to, unless the scheduling order says otherwise (Rule 21(6-A)).

New Jersey

Superior Court, Appellate Division, and Supreme Court (Part II of the Rules of Court)

Source: New Jersey Court Rules, Part II (Rules Governing Appellate Practice)

Principal brief limit

50 pages (75 pages for a respondent/cross-appellant's brief)R. 2:6-7

Reply brief limit

15 pagesR. 2:6-7

Typeface and font size

Times New Roman or similar, 14-point, character spacing expanded by 0.3 pointsR. 2:6-10

Margins and line spacing

Approximately 1 inch; double-spaced (footnotes and indented quotations may be single-spaced)R. 2:6-10

Opening brief due

45 days after the transcript is delivered to appellant (other triggers if no transcript)R. 2:6-11(a)(1)

Appellee brief due

30 days after service of the appellant's briefR. 2:6-11(a)(1)

Reply brief due

14 days after service of the respondent's briefR. 2:6-11(a)(1)

Court of last resort. Supreme Court merits briefing differs (R. 2:6-11(a)(2), added 10 Feb 2026 effective immediately): appellant's merits brief within 40 days of the order taking the appeal (or of the notice of appeal as of right), respondent within 30 days, reply within 24 days and no more than 15 pages; merits briefs supersede earlier filings. Same format and length rules (R. 2:6).

Notes. Page limits exclude only tables of contents and citations (2:6-7); overlength relief is by motion on good cause with a good-faith certification. When no verbatim record exists the 45 days run from filing of the settled statement; if the transcript or statement was filed before the notice of appeal, or none will be filed, from filing of the notice of appeal; agency appeals may run from service of the statement of items in the record (2:6-11(a)(1)). Sentencing appeals follow R. 2:9-11. Cross-appeals (2:6-11(b)(1)): 30 / 30 / 30 / 14 days. Listed motions toll briefing time (2:6-11(d)). The court may enter a separate scheduling order. Format rule 2:6-10 applies 'unless otherwise provided by Administrative Directive'; length and format rules last amended eff. 1 Sep 2022.

New Mexico

New Mexico Court of Appeals and Supreme Court (one set of rules)

Source: New Mexico Rules of Appellate Procedure (Rule Set 12, NMRA)

Principal brief limit

35 pages, or 11,000 words (proportional) / 1,200 lines (monospaced) in the bodyRule 12-318(F)(2)-(3) NMRA

Reply brief limit

15 pages, or 4,400 words / 480 lines in the bodyRule 12-318(F)(2)-(3) NMRA

Typeface and font size

Proportional serif 14-point or larger; monospaced no more than 10 characters per inchRule 12-305(D) NMRA

Margins and line spacing

1-inch margins on all sides; double-spaced (headings, footnotes, quotations may be single)Rule 12-305(B)(2), (E) NMRA

Opening brief due

45 days after the clerk's notice that all transcripts are filed (general calendar)Rule 12-210(C)(2)(a) NMRA

Appellee brief due

45 days after service of the brief in chief (general calendar)Rule 12-210(C)(2)(b) NMRA

Reply brief due

20 days after service of the answer brief (general calendar)Rule 12-210(C)(2)(c) NMRA

Court of last resort. Same rules and limits in the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals.

Notes. The page limit (35 / 15) is the default; the word or line limit applies only if the body exceeds the page limit, and then a statement of compliance giving the word or line count and software version is required (12-318(A)(1)(c), (G)). 'Body' excludes cover, caption, tables, signature blocks, oral-argument statement and certificate of service (12-318(F)(1)). No attachments to briefs. Deadlines depend on the calendar assignment made after the docketing statement: general calendar 45 / 45 / 20 days; legal calendar 30 days from the calendar notice, then 30 / 20; summary calendar has no briefs, only 20-day memoranda (35 pages or 11,000 words) (12-210). If no transcript is filed, the 45 days run from the notice of nondesignation. Cross-appeals: 45 days (general) or 20 days (legal) for each combined step (12-318(I)). Cover page may use 11-point if needed.

New York

Appellate Division, all four Judicial Departments (statewide Practice Rules, 22 NYCRR Part 1250); Court of Appeals has its own rules (22 NYCRR Part 500)

Source: Practice Rules of the Appellate Division, 22 NYCRR Part 1250

Principal brief limit

14,000 words if computer-generated; 50 pages if typewritten or handwritten22 NYCRR 1250.8(f)(2), (g)(2), (i)(2)

Reply brief limit

7,000 words if computer-generated; 25 pages if typewritten or handwritten22 NYCRR 1250.8(f)(2), (g)(2), (i)(2)

Typeface and font size

Serifed type: proportional 14-point (footnotes 12); or monospaced 12-point, max 10½ characters per inch22 NYCRR 1250.8(f)(1)

Margins and line spacing

1-inch margins on all sides; double-spaced (long quotes, headings, footnotes may be single-spaced)22 NYCRR 1250.8(h)

Opening brief due

Within 6 months of the notice of appeal (or order granting leave): the time to perfect the appeal22 NYCRR 1250.9(a)

Appellee brief due

30 days after service of appellant's submissions (First Dept: per the court's published terms calendar)22 NYCRR 1250.9(c)

Reply brief due

10 days after service of respondent's submissions (First Dept: per the terms calendar)22 NYCRR 1250.9(d)

Court of last resort. The Court of Appeals follows its own rules (22 NYCRR Part 500) with a different briefing schedule, usually set by the clerk; check Part 500 before briefing there.

Notes. Word count excludes signature blocks, tables, proof of service, certificate of compliance and addenda. Every brief except handwritten ones needs a printing specifications statement giving typeface, point size, line spacing and word count (1250.8(j)). Bold and all-caps text are barred except in headings and quotations. The 6-month perfection period can be extended 60 days by stipulation or letter, then 30 more by letter (1250.9(b)). Each Department also has local rules, and the First Department runs on published term deadlines. Cross appeals: answering brief 30 days after the first brief, reply 30 days, cross-reply 10 days (1250.9(f)). Most filing is through NYSCEF (Part 1245).

North Carolina

North Carolina Court of Appeals and Supreme Court (one set of rules)

Source: North Carolina Rules of Appellate Procedure

Principal brief limit

8,750 words (Court of Appeals)N.C. R. App. P. 28(j)

Reply brief limit

3,750 words (Court of Appeals)N.C. R. App. P. 28(j)

Typeface and font size

Proportionally spaced serif font, no smaller than 12-point and no larger than 14-pointN.C. R. App. P. 26(g)(1)

Margins and line spacing

Lines no wider than 6½ inches (about 1-inch side margins); double-spacedN.C. R. App. P. 26(g)(1)

Opening brief due

30 days after the record on appeal is filed with the appellate courtN.C. R. App. P. 13(a)(1)

Appellee brief due

30 days after appellant's brief is servedN.C. R. App. P. 13(a)(1)

Reply brief due

14 days after appellee's brief is servedN.C. R. App. P. 28(h)

Court of last resort. The Rule 28(j) word limits are expressly limited to briefs filed in the Court of Appeals; the rules set no word limit for Supreme Court briefs. Supreme Court review of Court of Appeals decisions has its own briefing provisions (Rules 14 to 16). Death penalty appeals: 60 days for each principal brief (Rule 13(a)(2)).

Notes. Word count includes footnotes and citations; covers, captions, indexes, tables of authorities, certificates, signature block and appendixes are excluded. A certificate of compliance goes immediately before the certificate of service (28(j)(2)). Reply briefs are limited to concise rebuttal; motions to extend reply length or time are disfavored. Appendix B (format and style) adds further requirements; the Supreme Court describes the appendixes as not authoritative on parity with the rules.

North Dakota

North Dakota Supreme Court (and the temporary Court of Appeals when cases are assigned to it); one set of rules

Source: North Dakota Rules of Appellate Procedure

Principal brief limit

38 pages, excluding any addendum (page limit only; footnotes count)N.D.R.App.P. 32(a)(8)(A)

Reply brief limit

12 pages, excluding any addendumN.D.R.App.P. 32(a)(8)(A)

Typeface and font size

12-point or larger, no more than 16 characters per inch; footnotes in the same typefaceN.D.R.App.P. 32(a)(5)

Margins and line spacing

1½-inch left margin, 1 inch on other sides; double-spaced (footnotes double-spaced too)N.D.R.App.P. 32(a)(4), (a)(5)

Opening brief due

40 days after the transcript is filed (40 days after notice of appeal if no transcript ordered)N.D.R.App.P. 31(a)

Appellee brief due

30 days after appellant's brief is servedN.D.R.App.P. 31(a)

Reply brief due

14 days after appellee's brief is served (at least 5 days before argument if argument is sooner)N.D.R.App.P. 31(a)

Court of last resort. The Supreme Court is the main appellate court; the same rules apply.

Notes. Rule 28 was amended effective 9/1/2026, but it governs brief contents, not length or deadlines. Limits have been page counts only since 2019; the count must come from the filed electronic document and a certificate stating the number of pages is required (32(d)). Page numbering begins on the cover page as 1. Paragraphs in briefs must be numbered and record citations go to paragraph numbers. Non-compliant documents will not be filed (32(c)). An argument on N.D.R.Civ.P. 54(b) certification gets 5 extra pages.

Ohio

Ohio District Courts of Appeals (Ohio Rules of Appellate Procedure); the Supreme Court has separate Rules of Practice

Source: Ohio Rules of Appellate Procedure

Principal brief limit

9,000 words (30 pages at 12-point presumed compliant); districts may set other limits by local ruleApp.R. 19(A)

Reply brief limit

4,500 words (15 pages at 12-point presumed compliant); districts may set other limits by local ruleApp.R. 19(A)

Typeface and font size

At least 12-point typeApp.R. 19(A)

Margins and line spacing

Type area no larger than 6½ x 9½ inches on 8½ x 11 pages; double-spaced (quotes single-spaced)App.R. 19(A)

Opening brief due

20 days after the clerk mails notice that the record was filed (App.R. 11(B))App.R. 18(A)

Appellee brief due

20 days after service of appellant's briefApp.R. 18(A)

Reply brief due

10 days after service of appellee's briefApp.R. 18(A)

Court of last resort. The Supreme Court of Ohio uses its own Rules of Practice: merit briefs limited to 50 numbered pages and the reply to 20 (S.Ct.Prac.R. 16.02(C), 16.03(C), 16.04(B)); appellant's merit brief due 40 days after the record is filed, appellee's 30 days after appellant's brief, reply 20 days after appellee's brief (16.02(A)(2), 16.03(A)(2), 16.04(A)(2)); shorter times in parental-rights, adoption and bail cases.

Notes. App.R. 19 was last amended July 1, 2020; App.R. 18 July 1, 2001. The word count excludes cover, tables, statement regarding oral argument, certificates, signature blocks, certificate of service and appendices. Counsel's signature certifies word-count compliance. Each district court of appeals may adopt different word or page limits by local rule, so the district's local rules must be checked. Accelerated calendar cases (App.R. 11.1): 15 days for appellant, 15 days for appellee, no reply brief unless ordered. No word limit in capital post-conviction review.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma Supreme Court and Court of Civil Appeals (civil appeals; one set of rules). Criminal appeals go to the Court of Criminal Appeals under separate rules.

Source: Oklahoma Supreme Court Rules (Okla. Stat. tit. 12, ch. 15, app. 1)

Principal brief limit

30 pages (combined cross-appeal brief 40 pages)Okla. Sup. Ct. R. 1.11(b)

Reply brief limit

30 pagesOkla. Sup. Ct. R. 1.11(b)

Typeface and font size

Clear type not less than 12-point; footnotes not less than 11-pointOkla. Sup. Ct. R. 1.11(a)

Margins and line spacing

1¼-inch left margin, 1 inch on the other three sides; double-spaced, quotes single-spacedOkla. Sup. Ct. R. 1.11(a)

Opening brief due

60 days after the Notice of Completion of Record is filed in the Supreme CourtOkla. Sup. Ct. R. 1.10(a)(1)

Appellee brief due

40 days after the appellant's Brief-in-chief is filedOkla. Sup. Ct. R. 1.10(a)(1)

Reply brief due

20 days after the Answer Brief is filedOkla. Sup. Ct. R. 1.10(a)(1)

Court of last resort. The Supreme Court and Court of Civil Appeals use the same rules (cases reach the Court of Civil Appeals by assignment from the Supreme Court).

Notes. Rule 1.11 was last amended by 2022 OK 93 (eff. Nov. 14, 2022); Rule 1.10 by 2023 OK 76 (eff. June 19, 2023). Page limits exclude only the cover, index, appendix, signature information and certificate of service; footnotes count, and substantive or abusive footnotes can get a brief stricken. Motion for extra pages at least 10 days before the brief is due. Appeals under Rule 1.36 (summary judgments and certain dismissals) follow a separate briefing rule. Juvenile appeals: 20, 15 and 10 days; county budget and driver's license appeals have their own shorter schedules. Original and 14 copies; a copy of each brief must also be filed in the trial court within 5 days.

Oregon

Oregon Court of Appeals and Supreme Court (one set of rules, different length limits)

Source: Oregon Rules of Appellate Procedure (ORAP)

Principal brief limit

10,000 words in the Court of Appeals (35 pages if no word-count software)ORAP 5.05(1)(b)(ii)(A), (1)(c)

Reply brief limit

3,300 words in the Court of Appeals (10 pages if no word-count software)ORAP 5.05(1)(b)(ii)(E), (1)(c)

Typeface and font size

Arial, Times New Roman or Century Schoolbook, at least 14-point for text and footnotesORAP 5.05(3)(b)(ii)

Margins and line spacing

Inside margins 1¼ in., outside 1 in., top and bottom ¾ in.; double-spacedORAP 5.05(3)(a)(ii), (3)(b)(iv)

Opening brief due

49 days after the transcript is settled (or other listed trigger, e.g. notice of appeal if no transcript)ORAP 5.80(1)

Appellee brief due

49 days after the appellant's opening brief is filedORAP 5.80(2)

Reply brief due

21 days after the respondent's answering brief is filedORAP 5.80(3)

Court of last resort. Supreme Court limits are higher: opening and answering briefs 14,000 words, reply 4,000 words; 50 pages and 15 pages without word-count software (ORAP 5.05(1)(b)(i), (1)(c)). Typeface and margin rules are the same.

Notes. CJO 26-033 re-adopts ORAP 5.05 with the same limits. Headings, footnotes and quotations count toward the limit; cover, indexes, excerpt of record, appendices, certificates and signature block do not. A certificate stating the word count and type size is required (5.05(1)(d)). Appendix capped at 25 pages. Motions to exceed limits should be filed at least 7 days before the brief is due. Brief time chart: adoption and juvenile dependency 28, 28 and 7 days; LUBA and LCDC review 21, 21 and 0. Reply briefs are not allowed without leave in violation, habeas, civil commitment, FED and land-use review cases (5.70(3)). Pages are numbered at the top. Print must be black except hyperlinks.

Pennsylvania

Superior Court, Commonwealth Court and Supreme Court (one set of rules)

Source: Pennsylvania Rules of Appellate Procedure (210 Pa. Code)

Principal brief limit

14,000 words (certificate of compliance needed if longer than 30 pages)Pa.R.A.P. 2135(a)(1)

Reply brief limit

7,000 words (certificate of compliance needed if longer than 15 pages)Pa.R.A.P. 2135(a)(1)

Typeface and font size

No smaller than 14-point in text, 12-point in footnotes (Arial, Verdana or Times New Roman preferred)Pa.R.A.P. 124(a)(4)

Margins and line spacing

At least 1 inch on all four sides (3-inch top space on first page); double-spacedPa.R.A.P. 124(a)(2), (a)(3)

Opening brief due

40 days after the record is filed (unless the prothonotary fixes a later date)Pa.R.A.P. 2185(a)(1)

Appellee brief due

30 days after service of appellant's brief and reproduced recordPa.R.A.P. 2185(a)(1)

Reply brief due

14 days after service of the preceding brief (and received at least 3 days before argument)Pa.R.A.P. 2185(a)(1)

Court of last resort. The Supreme Court uses the same limits and schedule; each appellate court may reduce the word count by its own rules (Chapters 33, 35, 37) or by order in a case.

Notes. Rule 2135 was last amended July 18, 2024, effective January 1, 2025; Rule 124 effective April 1, 2022. Excluded from the word count: cover, tables, proof of service, addenda, signature blocks. A certificate of compliance is required only if the principal brief exceeds 30 pages or the reply 15 pages. Cross-appeal briefs of the designated appellee and designated appellant: 16,500 words. Capital direct appeals 17,500 and 8,500 words; first capital PCRA appeal 22,500 and 11,250. Children's fast track appeals: 30, 21 and 7 days. The prothonotary may set a deferred briefing schedule (2185(b)). Briefs mailed by first class, express or priority USPS mail are deemed filed on the mailing date.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island Supreme Court (no intermediate appellate court)

Source: Supreme Court Rules of Appellate Procedure (Article I, Rhode Island Supreme Court Rules)

Principal brief limit

15,000 words (50 pages if handwritten or typewritten, when allowed)R.I. Sup. Ct. R. App. P. 16(f)

Reply brief limit

7,500 words (25 pages if handwritten or typewritten)R.I. Sup. Ct. R. App. P. 16(f)

Typeface and font size

Times New Roman, at least 14-point, including footnotes (footnotes single-spaced)R.I. Sup. Ct. R. App. P. 18(b)

Margins and line spacing

At least 1 inch on all four sides; double-spacedR.I. Sup. Ct. R. App. P. 18(b)

Opening brief due

40 days after the Clerk gives notice that the case is assigned to the regular calendar for full briefingR.I. Sup. Ct. R. App. P. 16(a)

Appellee brief due

40 days after appellant's brief is filedR.I. Sup. Ct. R. App. P. 16(b)

Reply brief due

20 days after appellee's brief is filedR.I. Sup. Ct. R. App. P. 16(c)

Court of last resort. Single appellate court; the figures above are the Supreme Court rules.

Notes. Before full briefing, every appeal goes through a Rule 12A prebriefing stage: a statement of the case (3,000 words) due 20 days after docketing and a counter-statement (3,000 words) 15 days later, followed by a single-justice conference; full briefs are due only if the case is then assigned to the regular calendar. Headings, footnotes and quotations count toward the limit; the cover, tables, statement of the issues, signature blocks and certifications do not. A signed certification of word count and Rule 18(b) compliance is required. Overlength briefs cannot be lodged together with the motion for leave. Pages numbered at bottom center.

South Carolina

South Carolina Court of Appeals and Supreme Court (one set of rules, SCACR Part II)

Source: South Carolina Appellate Court Rules (SCACR)

Principal brief limit

50 pages (no word limit)Rule 208(b)(5), SCACR

Reply brief limit

25 pagesRule 208(b)(5), SCACR

Typeface and font size

Standard 12-point or largerRule 267(c), SCACR

Margins and line spacing

1-inch margins on all sides; double-spacedRule 267(c), (d), SCACR

Opening brief due

Initial brief 30 days after receiving the transcript (or after serving notice of appeal if none ordered)Rule 208(a)(1), SCACR

Appellee brief due

30 days after service of appellant's briefRule 208(a)(2), SCACR

Reply brief due

10 days after service of respondent's briefRule 208(a)(3), SCACR

Court of last resort. Same rules (Rules 208, 211, 267) govern briefs in the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals.

Notes. South Carolina uses a two-stage system: initial briefs under Rule 208 are served before the Record on Appeal is prepared, then final briefs (identical except for record cites and typo fixes) are filed within 20 days after service of the Record on Appeal (Rule 211(a)). Limits are pages only, no word count. Death penalty cases are excepted from the page limits. Rule 208(b)(8): initial briefs may have white covers and be stapled top left. A Supreme Court order of April 30, 2024 under Rule 267(f) lets all brief covers be white and requires PDF for electronic filings. Rule 267 last amended April 30, 2024; Rule 208 last amended May 1, 2018. A 2026-09-23 court news item titled 'Amendment to South Carolina Appellate Court Rules' concerns paralegal certification regulations, not briefs.

South Dakota

South Dakota Supreme Court (no intermediate appellate court)

Source: South Dakota Rules of Civil Appellate Procedure (SDCL ch. 15-26A)

Principal brief limit

32 pages proportional (40 monospaced), or up to the greater of 10,000 words or 50,000 charactersSDCL 15-26A-66(b), (b)(2)

Reply brief limit

16 pages proportional (20 monospaced), or half the principal type volume (5,000 words/25,000 chars)SDCL 15-26A-66(a), (b), (b)(2)

Typeface and font size

Proportional serif 12-point or larger (text and footnotes); monospaced exactly 10 cpiSDCL 15-26A-66(a), (b)

Margins and line spacing

Left margin 1.5 inches, others at least 1 inch; double-spaced; not right-justifiedSDCL 15-26A-69(2), (3)

Opening brief due

45 days after service of the notice of appeal (or of the transcript, if ordered but not yet received)SDCL 15-26A-75(1)

Appellee brief due

45 days after service of appellant's briefSDCL 15-26A-75(2)

Reply brief due

30 days after service of appellee's briefSDCL 15-26A-75(3)

Court of last resort. Only one appellate court; the Supreme Court limits are the ones shown.

Notes. Word/character counts include headings, footnotes and quotations; the table of contents, table of cases, jurisdictional statement, statement of legal issues, addendum and certificates are excluded (15-26A-66(b)(3)). A certificate of compliance stating the word or character count is required (15-26A-66(b)(4)). Requests to exceed limits must be filed at least 10 days before the brief is due (15-26A-66(c)). In adoption and abuse-and-neglect (including termination of parental rights) appeals, the 45-day periods drop to 25 days and the reply period to 15 days (15-26A-75, as amended by Supreme Court Rule 19-17, eff. Sept. 6, 2019). If a transcript is ordered but not received before appeal, the appellant's 45 days run from service of the transcript.

Tennessee

Tennessee Court of Appeals, Court of Criminal Appeals and Supreme Court (one set of rules)

Source: Tennessee Rules of Appellate Procedure

Principal brief limit

15,000 wordsTenn. R. App. P. 30(e)(1)

Reply brief limit

5,000 wordsTenn. R. App. P. 30(e)(2)

Typeface and font size

Computer-generated: not smaller than Times New Roman 12-pointTenn. R. App. P. 30(a)

Margins and line spacing

Text area not to exceed 6.5 by 9.5 inches on 8.5 x 11 paper; double-spacedTenn. R. App. P. 30(a)

Opening brief due

30 days after the record is filed with the appellate clerkTenn. R. App. P. 29(a)

Appellee brief due

30 days after appellant's brief is filedTenn. R. App. P. 29(a)

Reply brief due

14 days after filing of the preceding briefTenn. R. App. P. 29(a)

Court of last resort. Same Rule 29/30 limits apply in the Supreme Court; Rule 11 applications for permission to appeal share the 15,000-word cap and Rule 11 answers the 5,000-word cap.

Notes. Word limits replaced page limits effective July 1, 2022 (order filed Dec. 14, 2021). Excluded from the count: title/cover page, table of contents, table of authorities, certificate of compliance, attorney signature block and certificate of service; a certificate stating the word count is required (Rule 30(e)). Amicus briefs 7,500 words. The margin rule is expressed as a maximum text block of 6.5 by 9.5 inches rather than as margins, which works out to about 1-inch side margins and 0.75-inch top and bottom. Deadlines run from filing dates, not service. When multiple appellants or appellees file separately, the responsive clock starts after all their briefs are filed.

Texas

Texas courts of appeals, Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals (one set of rules)

Source: Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure

Principal brief limit

15,000 words if computer-generated, 50 pages if notTex. R. App. P. 9.4(i)(2)(B)

Reply brief limit

7,500 words if computer-generated, 25 pages if notTex. R. App. P. 9.4(i)(2)(C)

Typeface and font size

Conventional typeface, 14-point minimum; footnotes 12-point minimumTex. R. App. P. 9.4(e)

Margins and line spacing

At least 1-inch margins on all sides; double-spacedTex. R. App. P. 9.4(c), (d)

Opening brief due

30 days after the later of the clerk's or reporter's record being filed (20 days if accelerated)Tex. R. App. P. 38.6(a)

Appellee brief due

30 days after appellant's brief was filed (20 days if accelerated)Tex. R. App. P. 38.6(b)

Reply brief due

20 days after appellee's brief was filedTex. R. App. P. 38.6(c)

Court of last resort. Supreme Court petitions for review and responses: 6,500 words (20 pages); replies 3,250 words (10 pages) (Rule 9.4(i)(2)(D), (F)). Merits briefs in the Supreme Court fall under the 15,000/7,500 caps. Court of Criminal Appeals death-penalty direct-appeal briefs: 37,500 words (125 pages); petitions for discretionary review 4,500 words (15 pages).

Notes. Counted length excludes caption, identity of parties and counsel, statement regarding oral argument, table of contents, index of authorities, statement of the case, issues presented, statement of jurisdiction, procedural history, signature, proof of service, certification, certificate of compliance and appendix (9.4(i)(1)); a word-count certificate is required (9.4(i)(3)). In a civil case in a court of appeals, all briefs filed by one party together may not exceed 27,000 words (90 pages). Habeas corpus and bail appeals follow Rule 31; accelerated appeals use 20-day periods. Footnotes, block quotations, short lists and issues may be single-spaced.

Utah

Utah Court of Appeals and Supreme Court (one set of rules)

Source: Utah Rules of Appellate Procedure

Principal brief limit

14,000 words, or 30 pagesUtah R. App. P. 24(g)(1)

Reply brief limit

7,000 words, or 15 pagesUtah R. App. P. 24(g)(1)

Typeface and font size

Plain roman serif typeface, 13-point or larger (text and footnotes)Utah R. App. P. 27(a)(2), (3)

Margins and line spacing

At least 1-inch margins on all sides; double-spacedUtah R. App. P. 27(a)(1)

Opening brief due

40 days after the date of the appellate clerk's Rule 13 briefing noticeUtah R. App. P. 26(a)(1)

Appellee brief due

30 days after service of appellant's principal briefUtah R. App. P. 26(a)(2)

Reply brief due

30 days after filing and service of appellee's principal briefUtah R. App. P. 26(a)(3)

Court of last resort. Same limits in the Supreme Court. Supreme Court filings need 10 paper copies (Court of Appeals 6) delivered within 7 days of e-filing (Rule 26(d)).

Notes. Headings, footnotes and quotations count; table of contents, table of authorities, addendum and certificates do not (24(g)(2)). Death sentence cases: 60 pages/28,000 words principal, 30 pages/14,000 words reply. Cross-appeals use Rule 24A limits and the Rule 26(b) schedule. A motion to exceed by 3 or fewer pages or 1,400 or fewer words (or filed 7+ days early) needs no proposed brief attached (24(h)). If oral argument is set fewer than 35 days after the appellee's brief, the reply is due 5 days before argument. If a summary disposition or ineffective-assistance remand motion is filed after the Rule 13 notice, the opening brief is due 30 days after its denial. Rule 26 was amended effective March 18, 2026.

Vermont

Vermont Supreme Court (no intermediate appellate court)

Source: Vermont Rules of Appellate Procedure (V.R.A.P.)

Principal brief limit

9,000 words (appellee principal brief in a cross-appeal 12,000)V.R.A.P. 32(a)(4)(A)

Reply brief limit

4,500 wordsV.R.A.P. 32(a)(4)(B)

Typeface and font size

13-point proportionally spaced serif font, including footnotes (e-filed briefs)V.R.A.P. 32(a)(1)(D)

Margins and line spacing

At least 1-inch margins; 1.2 line spacing; left-aligned, not justifiedV.R.A.P. 32(a)(1)(B), (D)

Opening brief due

40 days after the record on appeal is completeV.R.A.P. 31(a)(1)

Appellee brief due

30 days after appellant's brief is servedV.R.A.P. 31(a)(2)

Reply brief due

21 days after service of appellee's briefV.R.A.P. 31(a)(3)

Court of last resort. Only one appellate court; the Supreme Court limits are the ones shown.

Notes. No consolidated official text was reachable. Word counts include all text, headings, footnotes and quotations; excluded are the statement of issues, table of contents, table of authorities, signature blocks, certificate of compliance and certificate of service; a certificate of compliance is required. Cross-appeal limits: appellant's reply 6,000, appellee's reply 3,000.

Virginia

Court of Appeals of Virginia (Part 5A); Supreme Court of Virginia has separate rules (Part 5)

Source: Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia, Part 5A (Court of Appeals)

Principal brief limit

Longer of 50 pages or 12,300 wordsVa. Sup. Ct. R. 5A:19(a)

Reply brief limit

Longer of 20 pages or 3,500 wordsVa. Sup. Ct. R. 5A:19(a)

Typeface and font size

At least 14-point, in a font style listed on the Court's website (including footnotes)Va. Sup. Ct. R. 5A:4(a)

Margins and line spacing

At least 1-inch margins on all four sides; double-spaced (headings, long quotes, footnotes excepted)Va. Sup. Ct. R. 5A:4(a)

Opening brief due

40 days after the record is filed in the Court of Appeals (appeal of right)Va. Sup. Ct. R. 5A:19(b)(2)

Appellee brief due

30 days after the opening brief is filed, or 30 days after the record is filed, whichever is laterVa. Sup. Ct. R. 5A:19(b)(3)

Reply brief due

14 days after the appellee's brief is filedVa. Sup. Ct. R. 5A:19(b)(4)

Court of last resort. Supreme Court of Virginia (Rule 5:26) differs materially: opening and appellee briefs longer of 50 pages or 8,750 words; reply longer of 15 pages or 2,625 words; opening brief 40 days after the certificate of appeal, appellee 25 days after the opening brief, reply 14 days after the appellee's brief (Rule 5:26(b), (c)). Form rule 5:6 also requires 14-point type from the Court's font list and 1-inch margins.

Notes. Rule 5A:19 last amended by order of June 21, 2024, effective Aug. 20, 2024; Rule 5A:4 last amended effective Jan. 1, 2022. Limits exclude appendices, cover page, table of contents, table of authorities, signature blocks and certificate; a certificate of compliance stating the word count is required (5A:4(d)). In appeals of right the appellant must first file a preliminary statement of assignments of error within 15 days after the record is filed (5A:19(b)(1)). For discretionary appeals granted by the Court of Appeals, the opening brief is due 40 days after the certificate of appeal and the appellee's 30 days after the opening brief (5A:19(c)). Extension motions must be filed no later than 10 days after the deadline expires. Double spacing is required except for headings, assignments of error, quotations over 49 words and footnotes.

Washington

Washington Court of Appeals and Supreme Court (one set of rules)

Source: Washington Rules of Appellate Procedure (RAP)

Principal brief limit

12,000 words, or 50 pages if typewritten/handwrittenRAP 18.17(c)(2)

Reply brief limit

6,000 words, or 25 pages if typewritten/handwrittenRAP 18.17(c)(3)

Typeface and font size

14-point serif (Times New Roman equivalent) or sans serif (Arial equivalent), footnotes includedRAP 18.17(a)(2)

Margins and line spacing

Left 2 inches; right, top and bottom 1.5 inches; double-spacedRAP 18.17(a)(1), (2)

Opening brief due

60 days after the report of proceedings is filed (45 days after designating clerk's papers if no report)RAP 10.2(a)

Appellee brief due

30 days after service of appellant's brief (civil); 60 days in criminal casesRAP 10.2(b), (c)

Reply brief due

30 days after service of respondent's briefRAP 10.2(d)

Court of last resort. Same RAP 18.17 limits in the Supreme Court for briefs; petitions for review, answers and replies are 5,000 words (RAP 18.17(c)(10)); supplemental briefs 5,000 words (18.17(c)(12)).

Notes. If there is no report of proceedings, the opening brief is due 45 days after the designation of clerk's papers and exhibits is filed in the trial court. Word limits exclude appendices, title sheet, table of contents, table of authorities, certificate of compliance, certificate of service, signature blocks and pictorial images; a word-count certificate is required (18.17(b)). RAP 10.4(a)-(b) now just cross-reference RAP 18.17. Cross-appeals: 12,000 words for the three main briefs and 6,000 for the cross-appellant's reply. Amicus 5,000 words. Capital cases: 60,000 words. The rules use 'should' rather than 'must'. RAP 10.2(a) was amended effective September 1, 2025 to allow 60 days (previously 45) after the report of proceedings; RAP 18.17 was last amended effective September 1, 2026 without changing the brief limits.

West Virginia

Intermediate Court of Appeals of West Virginia and Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia (one set of rules)

Source: West Virginia Rules of Appellate Procedure

Principal brief limit

40 pages (petitioner's and respondent's briefs)W. Va. R. App. P. 38(c)

Reply brief limit

20 pagesW. Va. R. App. P. 38(c)

Typeface and font size

At least 12-point proportionally spaced or 11-point nonproportionally spaced typeW. Va. R. App. P. 38(a)

Margins and line spacing

At least 1-inch margins; text double-spaced (footnotes and indented quotes may be single-spaced)W. Va. R. App. P. 38(a)

Opening brief due

Per scheduling order; typically 4 months after entry of the final order appealedW. Va. R. App. P. 10(b)

Appellee brief due

Per scheduling order; typically 45 days after the petitioner's briefW. Va. R. App. P. 10(b)

Reply brief due

Per scheduling order; typically 20 days after the respondent's briefW. Va. R. App. P. 10(b)

Court of last resort. The Supreme Court of Appeals uses the same rules and the same Rule 38(c) page limits; the rules govern both appellate courts (Rule 1(e)).

Notes. Limits are pages, not words. Rule 38(c): page limits exclude the cover page, table of contents, table of authorities and certificate of service. Briefs are due on the dates in the court's scheduling order; Rule 10(b) gives only the 'typical' schedule (4 months from the final order, then 45 days, then 20 days), so the scheduling order controls. A summary response (instead of a respondent's brief) is limited to 15 pages and waives oral argument (Rule 10(e)). Reply limit extends to 40 pages and 30 days when the respondent's brief contains cross-assignments of error, and to 30 pages when more than one respondent's brief is filed (Rule 10(g)). Workers' compensation appeals: 20-page briefs, 10-page reply (Rule 38(c), Rule 12). Abuse and neglect appeals: respondent's brief within 30 days of the petitioner's brief (Rule 11(h)). Family court appeals to the ICA: perfected by filing the petitioner's brief within 60 days of the judgment; respondent 15 days later (Rule 13). Recent amendments: Rule 5 (docketing) amended 8/21/2026, Rule 21 amended 6/25/2026, Rule 38A (e-filing) amended 6/26/2026; none changes Rule 10(b) or 38(a)/(c).

Wisconsin

Wisconsin Court of Appeals and Wisconsin Supreme Court (Rules of Appellate Procedure, Wis. Stat. ch. 809)

Source: Wisconsin Rules of Appellate Procedure (Wis. Stat. ch. 809)

Principal brief limit

11,000 words (proportional serif font), or 50 pages if monospaced or handwrittenWis. Stat. § (Rule) 809.19(8)(c)1.

Reply brief limit

3,000 words (proportional serif font), or 13 pages if monospaced or handwrittenWis. Stat. § (Rule) 809.19(8)(c)2.

Typeface and font size

Proportional serif, 13-point minimum (11-point quotes and footnotes); or monospaced, 10 characters per inchWis. Stat. § (Rule) 809.19(8)(b)3.b. and c.

Margins and line spacing

1.25-inch left and right, 1-inch top and bottom; line spacing 1.15 to 1.5 (monospaced: double-spaced)Wis. Stat. § (Rule) 809.19(8)(b)3.c. and e.

Opening brief due

40 days after the record on appeal is filed in the court of appealsWis. Stat. § (Rule) 809.19(1)

Appellee brief due

30 days after the later of service or filing of appellant's brief, or filing of the record (+3 days if mailed)Wis. Stat. § (Rule) 809.19(3)(a)1.

Reply brief due

15 days after the later of service or filing of respondent's brief (+3 days if mailed)Wis. Stat. § (Rule) 809.19(4)(a)

Court of last resort. Supreme Court review begins with a petition for review, limited to 8,000 words (proportional serif) or 35 pages (monospaced or handwritten), exclusive of appendix (s. 809.62(4)); briefing after a grant is on the conditions the court sets (s. 809.62(6)).

Notes. Source: the Legislature's official chapter 809 PDF ('Updated 2023-24 Wis. Stats. ... Ct. Order No. 20-07, 2021 WI 37 (effective July 1, 2021) on wicourts.gov (https://www.wicourts.gov/sc/rulhear/DisplayDocument.pdf?content=pdf&seqNo=360509), which created the current form, margin, pagination and length text. The wicourts.gov rules-order list shows no later order amending 809.19 through September 2026. Length counts only the statement of the case, argument and conclusion (sub. (1)(d), (e), (f)) for principal briefs, and only argument and conclusion for reply briefs; tables, statements of issues and oral argument/publication, appendix and certifications are excluded. Signed certification of form and length stating the page or word count is required (s. 809.19(8g)). Body text line spacing for proportional fonts is 1.15 to 1.5 lines (not double); block quotes and footnotes single-spaced; italics only for citations, headings, emphasis and foreign words. Page numbers centered in the bottom margin starting at '1' on the cover (s. 809.19(8)(bm)). Amicus (nonparty) briefs: 3,000 words or 13 pages (s. 809.19(8)(c)3.). Termination of parental rights appeals: appellant 15 days after record filed, respondent 10 days after appellant's brief (s. 809.107(6)). Criminal appeals use the same s. 809.19 briefing times.

Wyoming

Wyoming Supreme Court (no intermediate appellate court)

Source: Wyoming Rules of Appellate Procedure (W.R.A.P.)

Principal brief limit

60 pagesW.R.A.P. 7.05(a)(1)

Reply brief limit

18 pagesW.R.A.P. 7.05(a)(1)

Typeface and font size

Easily readable font, no smaller than 13-point; footnotes same size as textW.R.A.P. 7.05(b)(3)-(4)

Margins and line spacing

At least 1-inch margins on all sides; double-spaced (except quotations over 50 words), footnotes includedW.R.A.P. 7.05(b)(1)-(2), (4)

Opening brief due

45 days after service of the notice that the case is docketed in the appellate courtW.R.A.P. 7.06(b)(1)

Appellee brief due

45 days after service of appellant's briefW.R.A.P. 7.06(c)(1)

Reply brief due

15 days after service of appellee's briefW.R.A.P. 7.06(d)(1)

Court of last resort. Wyoming has no intermediate appellate court; these rules govern briefs in the Wyoming Supreme Court.

Notes. Limits are pages (no word-count option), excluding title page, tables, certificate of service and appendices (Rule 7.05(a)(1)). A reply brief is limited to new issues and arguments raised in the appellee's brief, which must be listed on its first page (Rule 7.03(a)). The court may order shorter briefing times, and in termination of parental rights, adoption, abuse and neglect, juvenile delinquency and CHINS cases it will not entertain a motion to extend briefing (Rule 7.06(e)). When the state is a party or a statute is challenged, briefs must be served on the attorney general, who may file a brief within 45 days (Rule 7.07). Paper size 8.5 x 11, bound only at the upper left corner (Rule 7.05(b)-(c)); e-filing via C-Track plus paper copies per Rule 1.01.