Rule 67-5A. The Reply Brief

The appellant may file a reply brief, which should respond directly and succinctly to the arguments 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 exclusive 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.

Committee Notes

amended June 27, 2023, to take effect Jan. 1, 2024; amended