The Reply Brief

The appellant may file a reply brief, which should respond directly and succinctly to the argu- ments in the appellee’s brief. The format of a reply brief shall be in accordance with Section 67-2 or 67-2A. The reply brief shall be filed within twenty days after the filing of the last appellee’s brief. Except as otherwise ordered, the reply brief shall not exceed 6500 words for electronic filers, or fifteen pages for filers that are excluded or exempt from electronic filing pursuant to Section 60-8. Word counts and page limitations are exclu- sive of the cover page, the table of contents, the table of authorities, the signature block of counsel of record, certifications and any appendix. Requests for permission to exceed 6500 words or fifteen pages shall be filed in accordance with Section 67-3 or 67-3A. If there is a cross appeal, the cross appellant may file a reply brief as to the cross appeal in accordance with the requirements of this rule. Where a claim relies on the state constitution as an independent ground for relief, the clerk shall, upon request, grant an additional two pages or 800 words for the reply brief, which pages or words are to be used for the state constitutional argument only. (Adopted June 15, 2021, to take effect Oct. 1, 2021; amended June 27, 2023, to take effect Jan. 1, 2024; amended July 15, 2025, to take effect Jan. 1, 2026.) HISTORY—2026: Prior to 2026, the second paragraph pro- vided: ‘‘The reply brief shall be filed within twenty days of the appellee’s brief. If there are multiple appellees and they file separate briefs, then the time to file a reply brief shall run from the filing date of the last appellee’s brief.’’ COMMENTARY—2026: This amendment is intended to clarify the deadline for filing a reply brief when there are multi- ple appellees.