26.  Rules for Briefing.  The rules given below are divided into two groups:  those in the first group deal chiefly with the form of the brief; those in the second go more to the substance; but the distinction between the two groups is far from being absolute.

I

1.  A brief may be divided into three parts:  the Introduction, the Proof, the Conclusion.  Of these the Introduction should contain noncontentious matter, and the Conclusion should be a restatement of the proposition, with a bare summary of the main issues in affirmative (or negative) form.

The introduction has already been dealt with at length (see pp. 48-81).  The conclusion brings the main points of the argument together, and gives an effect of workmanlike completeness to the brief.  It should never introduce new points.

2.  In the Introduction keep each step of the analysis by itself, and indicate the several parts by such headings as “The following terms need definition,” “The following facts are agreed on,” “The following points will be left out of consideration in this argument” “The chief contentions on the two sides are as follows,” “The main issues on which the argument will be made are as follows.”

It is not to be expected that all these steps, with the appropriate headings, will be necessary in every brief.  The only use of a brief is to aid you to construct a specific argument, and you must consider each case by itself.

3.  Follow a uniform system of numbering throughout, so that each number or letter used will show whether the statement is one of the main supports of your case, or in what degree it is subordinated.

In other words, the numbering should show at a glance whether a given assertion is a main reason, a reason for a reason, or in still more subordinate degree of support.  The system of numbering in the brief on page 90 is convenient.  Whatever system is adopted, it should be followed by the whole class.

4.  The refutation should have a distinct set of symbols.

These symbols may well be uniform with the others, but with the prime mark to distinguish them (see p. 93).

5.  In briefing the refutation always state first the assertion that is to be refuted, with such connectives as, “Although it is urged ..., yet the contention is unsound, for ...,” “Although the case is cited, ... yet the case is irrelevant, for ...”

These connectives will vary with the nature of the assertion to be refuted; the important thing is to state the assertion so clearly that your critic can judge the relevancy and force of your refutation. (For examples, see pp. 91-93.)

II

6.  A brief in all its parts should be phrased in complete sentences; mere topics are of no value.