Sample Briefs

As pointed out elsewhere on this web site, written briefs are by far the most important part of an appeal. Below are links to some sample briefs that John Derrick has recently filed in state and federal court. (The briefs will download in PDF format; Acrobat Reader or equivalent required.)

Sample One

This is the appellants’ opening brief in an employment case, in which a major issue is the admissibility of cultural stereotyping evidence in civil trials. John Derrick represents the president of a school board. Click here to download this brief.

Sample Two

This is the appellants’ opening brief in a defamation action involving prominent Chinese pro-democracy activists. There are two parts to the appeal – the first relates to the dismissal of of the action under California's anti-SLAPP statute and the second relates to an award of attorney fees. Click here to download this brief.

Sample Three

This is the appellant’s opening brief in a federal appeal in an eminent domain case in which the U.S. Government took an easement for high-voltage power transmission lines across 3,000 acres of land that was slated for residential development. The issue concerns whether the jury that had the task of setting just compensation should have heard evidence about the actual extent of electro-magnetic fields after the court had allowed evidence concerning negative public perceptions about their harmful effects. Click here to download this brief.

Sample Four

This is the appellee’s brief in a federal appeal in which John Derrick defends a major realtor corporation and two of its agents in a tort action connected with the sale of property belonging to a bankruptcy estate. Click here to download this brief.