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Civil, Family, and Administrative Appeals and Writs

What color is my brief?

First, check to see if the district has adopted electronic filing. If so, this section does not apply to you unless you elect to file a paper copy of your briefing. If you don't file electronically, California Rules of Court, Rule 8.40 is specific about brief cover colors and information required on the covers, depending on whether you are the appellant or respondent, which court, and what type of document.

 

California Rules of Court, Rule 8.40 states the colors required for various appellate briefs:

"As far as practicable, the covers of briefs and petitions must be in the following colors:
Appellant's opening brief or appendix
green


Respondent's brief or appendix
yellow


Appellant's reply brief or appendix
tan


Joint appendix
white


Amicus curiae brief
gray


Answer to amicus curiae brief
blue


Petition for rehearing
orange


Answer to petition for rehearing
blue


Petition for original writ
red


Answer (or opposition) to petition for original writ
red


Reply to answer (or opposition) to petition for original writ
red


Petition for transfer of appellate division case to Court of Appeal
white


Answer to petition for transfer of appellate division case to Court of Appeal
blue


Petition for review
white


Answer to petition for review
blue


Reply to answer to petition for review
white


Opening brief on the merits
white


Answer brief on the merits
blue


Reply brief on the merits
white

In addition, there are different rules for combined briefs:

"In appeals under rule 8.216, the cover of a combined respondent's brief and appellant's opening brief must be yellow, and the cover of a combined reply brief and respondent's brief must be tan."

While the court may disregard the non-compliance, a professional product may make a difference in how your brief is perceived.

 

Disclaimer:

By providing this information, we do not establish a lawyer-client relationship as this may not be proper in the internet environment. We have attempted to employ our best efforts to present and maintain the information provided herein but do not warrant that the information is complete or accurate. We do not assume, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident or any other cause. The information contained herein is not to be used as a basis for advice to clients or applied to any particular matters. Counsel should be consulted directly as to the current law applicable to particular situations. We therefore issue a general disclaimer but encourage you to seek direct legal advice.