Principles of Appellate Advocacy, Third Edition

Buy a new version of this textbook and receive access to the Connected eBook on Casebook Connect, including academic lifetime access to the online ebook with highlight, annotation, and search capabilities. Access also includes an outline tool and other helpful resources. Connected eBooks provide what you need most to be successful in your law school classes. The proven-effective approach of Principles of Appellate Advocacy, Third Edition, by Daniel P. Selmi and Rebecca A. Delfino, gives students a precise understanding of the fundamental principles and well-defined rules that are essential to drafting a persuasive appellate brief and making an effective oral argument before appellate courts. The authors draw from a wealth of experience briefing and arguing appellate cases, teaching Appellate Advocacy, and coaching winning moot court teams.  The Third Edition introduces a unifying theme on the responsible use of generative AI in appellate advocacy, helping students harness these tools while preserving human reasoning, credibility, and care. The authors explore both the benefits of AI-assisted brief writing and its ethical challenges under modern professional responsibility standards. With expanded coverage of digital briefing practices, refined treatment of standards of review, and innovative “dual-track” exercises that promote critical reflection, the Third Edition prepares students for a rapidly evolving legal landscape. New to the Third Edition: Additional strategies for outlining, argument mapping, and using AI as a brainstorming aid Updated judicial insights that exemplify the hallmarks of persuasive and well-organized appellate writing   More guidance on how appellate procedural rules shape jurisdiction, briefing, and error preservation Enhanced illustrations to deepen student understanding of de novo, clear error, and abuse-of-discretion review  A fresh look at the realities of modern digital briefing, with guidance on issue framing, point headings, and AI-assisted drafting that emphasizes human judgment and ethics  Expanded coverage of writing mechanics and editing tools to address AI’s evolving role in legal composition  Applied exercises in which students compare their work with AI-generated output, fostering critical evaluation and professional accountability  New materials on oral advocacy that integrate AI-driven practice questions, moot simulations, and guidance for remote argument preparation  Professors and students will benefit from:  Straightforward presentation of key concepts and rules   The authors' consistent emphasis on a few overarching principles that inform and guide the process of writing an effective appellate brief:  The perspective principle — putting the brief writer in the shoes of the judge The structural principle — building an appellate brief around the issues The organizational principle — separating the thought process from the writing process