term:

Brief

brief n

[Old French bref brief letter, writ indicating legal proceedings, from Late Latin brevis breve short document, summary, from Latin brevis, adjective, short]
1 : a concise statement of a client's case written for the instruction of an attorney usually by a law clerk called also memorandum
2 : a formal written presentation of an argument that sets forth the main points with supporting precedents and evidence NOTE: Briefs are filed either by a party or an amicus curiae with a court usually regarding a specific motion (as for summary judgment) or point of law. The form of the brief is determined by the procedural rules of that court or jurisdiction.
vt : to write a brief concerning (a motion or question of law)

Source: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.