An easy way to make your brief-writing more appealing? Shun deadweight openers—however, additionally, consequently, accordingly. That technique has worked wonders for the Chief Justice, who Justice Ginsburg once said was the greatest appellate advocate of his generation.
Back in his brief-writing days, he showed how a lighter touch—thus, so, but, also—propels the reader forward and conveys confidence.
Here’s a few examples of how Roberts’s light touch distinguishes his writing from the typical brief-writer.
| Typical Brief-Writer | Roberts the Brief-Writer |
|---|---|
| However, the EPA cannot claim that ADEC’s decision was “unreasoned.” In addition, the EPA cannot assert that ADEC’s determination in any way results in emissions exceeding national standards or permitted increments. | But the EPA cannot claim that ADEC’s decision was “unreasoned.” Nor can the EPA assert that ADEC’s determination in any way results in emissions exceeding national standards or permitted increments. Petitioner’s Brief, Alaska v. EPA. |
| Accordingly, the Act is directed at entities that do not themselves transact business in Maine, and it effectively changes the terms of transactions between manufacturers and wholesalers that do not occur in Maine. | The Act thus is directed at entities that do not themselves transact business in Maine, and it effectively changes the terms of transactions between manufacturers and wholesalers that do not occur in Maine. Amicus Brief for U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America v. Concannon. |
| Substituting one decisionmaker for another may yield a different result, but not in any sense a more “correct” one. In like manner, in the instant case . . . . | Substituting one decisionmaker for another may yield a different result, but not in any sense a more “correct” one. So too here. Petitioner’s Brief, Alaska v. EPA. |
| As a result of the fact that SSA would continue to carry out those responsibilities after October 1, 1993, Congress not surprisingly provided that the appropriation would remain available “until expended.” | Because SSA would continue to carry out those responsibilities after October 1, 1993, Congress not surprisingly provided that the appropriation would remain available “until expended.” Respondents’ Brief, Barnhart v. Peabody Coal Company. |
| Additionally, ASORA is excessive because it operates to infringe upon fundamental liberties of persons convicted of a sex offense who pose no threat whatsoever to the public. | The ASORA is also excessive because it operates to infringe upon fundamental liberties of persons convicted of a sex offense who pose no threat whatsoever to the public. Respondents’ Brief, Godfrey v. Doe. |
| In addition, the agreement provides for a committee of local Inupiat elders to oversee mining operations. | The agreement also provides for a committee of local Inupiat elders to oversee mining operations. Petitioner’s Brief, Alaska v. EPA. |