Requirements for Opening Brief of Appellant

The opening brief of the appellant must comply with the requirements of Rules 5:6 and 5:26, and must contain the following: (a) A table of contents and table of authorities with cases alphabetically arranged. Citations of all authorities must include the year thereof. (b) A statement of the case containing the material proceedings below and the facts, with references to the appendix. (c) The assignments of error, with a clear and exact reference to the pages of the appendix where the alleged error has been preserved. (d) The standard of review, the argument, and the authorities relating to each assignment of error. With respect to each assignment of error, the standard of review and the argument – including principles of law and the authorities – must be stated in one place and not scattered through the brief. At the option of counsel, the argument may be preceded by a short summary. (e) A short conclusion stating the precise relief sought. Promulgated by Order dated Friday, April 30, 2010. Last amended by Order dated November 23, 2020; effective March 1, 2021. RULES OF SUPREME COURT OF VIRGINIA PART FIVE THE SUPREME COURT G. PROCEDURE FOLLOWING PERFECTION OF APPEAL