News & Developments »

Supreme Court Rules Mother Nature Is Original Patent Holder

Laws of nature cannot be protected by patents. The Supreme Court reaffirmed this doctrine in the context of a modern healthcare kit manufactured by Prometheus.

Supreme Court Overturns Lower Court in Jerusalem Passport Case

The Court engaged issues involving the fundamental relationship between the judicial, executive, and legislative branches of the government.

Supreme Court Limits Sua Sponte Timeliness Defense Authority

the Supreme Court considered the scope of the appellate court's authority to address threshold defenses to a habeas petition that the state failed to pursue in the court below.

Articles »

Why the Appellate Mandate Matters

By Jennifer L. Swize

This refresher on the appellate mandate addresses its basic, procedural aspects, as well as the substantive consequences of its issuance.

Amicus Brief Writing for the Circuit Court: The Why and the How

By Jill M. Przybylski and Brock A. Swartzle

While no one would encourage flooding the circuit courts with amicus briefs in run-of-the-mill appeals, there are reasons for increased amicus participation in atypical circuit-court appeals.

The Hutz Brief: How to Respond to Bad Briefs

By Jeff Berger

Win over the judge with restraint, not ridicule.

Audio »

Sound Advice: Appellate Jurisdiction

Learn how to get your case into the court of appeals before final judgment as the multiple categories of appellate jurisdiction are explained.

Announcements »

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The Appellate Practice Committee is seeking authors to write for its website. Please contact an editor for more information.