Brief vs. Memorandum — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 31, 2024
A brief is a concise summary or statement, often used in legal contexts, while a memorandum is a written communication commonly used within organizations.
Difference Between Brief and Memorandum
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Briefs are structured documents used in legal settings to argue a case or present research findings. They are formal and aimed at persuading or informing a judicial body. Memorandums, or memos, serve as informal internal communications within an organization, focusing on information sharing or directives regarding policies, procedures, or announcements.
While briefs are primarily found in legal contexts, requiring a specific format that includes arguments, facts, and legal citations, memorandums are versatile documents used across various fields for internal communication. Memos are typically shorter, less formal, and follow a straightforward format that includes an introduction, body, and conclusion.
The audience for a brief is usually a judge or legal body, making it essential for the document to be persuasive and well-supported by evidence. In contrast, the audience for a memorandum can range from employees within a department to the entire staff of an organization, depending on the memo's purpose.
The purpose of a brief is to influence or inform a legal decision, making its tone formal and its content dense with legal reasoning. Memorandums aim to inform or direct action within an organization, characterized by a clear, direct tone and focus on practical information.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A concise statement or summary, often legal, to argue a case
A written communication used within organizations
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Context
Legal
Organizational
Format
Structured with legal arguments and citations
Informal, with a straightforward layout
Audience
Judges or legal bodies
Employees or departments within an organization
Purpose
To persuade or inform judicial decisions
To share information or directives internally
Compare with Definitions
Brief
A document used to present arguments in court.
The lawyer submitted a brief to the court detailing the case's facts.
Memorandum
Characterized by a straightforward, clear format.
The memo was concise, clearly stating its purpose in the opening.
Brief
Aimed at persuading a judicial decision.
The brief argued compellingly for the client's innocence.
Memorandum
Less formal than legal documents.
The internal memorandum allowed for a more conversational tone.
Brief
Contains detailed legal reasoning and citations.
The appellate brief was dense with citations from precedent cases.
Memorandum
Serves to inform or instruct employees.
The memorandum contained instructions for completing the project.
Brief
Requires a formal structure and tone.
His brief followed the formal guidelines set by the court.
Memorandum
Can address a wide range of topics.
A memorandum was sent to discuss the upcoming office move.
Brief
Primarily used in legal contexts.
Preparing briefs is a significant part of a litigator's job.
Memorandum
A tool for internal communication within organizations.
The manager issued a memorandum outlining the new policies.
Brief
Short in time, duration, length, or extent.
Memorandum
A memorandum (abbrev.: memo; from Latin memorandum est, "It must be remembered") is a written message that may be used in a business office. The plural form of the Latin noun memorandum so derived is properly memoranda, but if the word is deemed to have become a word of the English language, the plural memorandums, abbreviated to memos, may be used.
Brief
Succinct; concise
A brief account of the incident.
Memorandum
A short note written as a reminder.
Brief
Curt; abrupt
We were upset because he was so brief with us.
Memorandum
A written record or communication, as in a business office.
Brief
A short, succinct statement.
Memorandum
A short document outlining the terms of an agreement, especially as a draft leading to a formal, detailed contract
A memorandum of understanding.
Brief
A condensation or an abstract of a larger document or series of documents.
Memorandum
A writing submitted to a court by a party arguing an aspect of a case; a brief.
Brief
(Law) A document concisely stating the legal points being made, including often the citation and explanation of supporting legal authority.
Memorandum
A decision of an appellate court, particularly one that is not accompanied by any detailed explanation of the basis for the decision
A memorandum decision.
Brief
Roman Catholic Church A papal letter that is not as formal as a bull.
Memorandum
A business statement made by a consignor about a shipment of goods that may be returned.
Brief
A briefing.
Memorandum
A brief, unsigned diplomatic communication.
Brief
Often briefs Short, tight-fitting underpants.
Memorandum
A short note serving as a reminder.
Brief
Briefs Chiefly British The instructions that are given to explain a task or assignment.
Memorandum
A written business communication.
Brief
To give instructions or preparatory information to
Briefed the astronauts before the mission.
Memorandum
A brief diplomatic communication.
Brief
To summarize.
Memorandum
A page in an annual publication honoring the memory of a person who died during the past year.
Brief
Of short duration; happening quickly.
Her reign was brief but spectacular.
Memorandum
A record of something which it is desired to remember; a note to help the memory.
I . . . entered a memorandum in my pocketbook.
I wish you would, as opportunity offers, make memorandums of the regulations of the academies.
Brief
Concise; taking few words.
His speech of acceptance was brief but moving.
Memorandum
A brief or informal note in writing of some transaction, or an outline of an intended instrument; an instrument drawn up in a brief and compendious form.
Brief
Occupying a small distance, area or spatial extent; short.
Her skirt was extremely brief but doubtless cool.
Memorandum
A written proposal or reminder
Brief
(obsolete) Rife; common; prevalent.
Brief
(legal) A writ summoning one to answer; an official letter or mandate.
Brief
(legal) An answer to any action.
Brief
(legal) A memorandum of points of fact or of law for use in conducting a case.
Brief
A position of interest or advocacy.
Brief
(legal) An attorney's legal argument in written form for submission to a court.
Brief
(English law) The material relevant to a case, delivered by a solicitor to the barrister who tries the case.
Brief
A short news story or report.
We got a news brief.
Brief
Underwear briefs.
I wear boxers under trousers but for sports I usually wear a brief.
Brief
(obsolete) A summary, précis or epitome; an abridgement or abstract.
Brief
A letter patent, from proper authority, authorizing a collection or charitable contribution of money in churches, for any public or private purpose.
Brief
(slang) A ticket of any type.
Brief
(transitive) To summarize a recent development to some person with decision-making power.
The U.S. president was briefed on the military coup and its implications on African stability.
Brief
To write a legal argument and submit it to a court.
Brief
Briefly.
Brief
Soon; quickly.
Brief
Short in duration.
How brief the life of man.
Brief
Concise; terse; succinct.
The brief style is that which expresseth much in little.
Brief
Rife; common; prevalent.
Brief
Briefly.
Adam, faltering long, thus answered brief.
Brief
Soon; quickly.
Brief
A short concise writing or letter; a statement in few words.
Bear this sealed brief,With winged hastle, to the lord marshal.
And she told meIn a sweet, verbal brief.
Brief
An epitome.
Each woman is a brief of womankind.
Brief
An abridgment or concise statement of a client's case, made out for the instruction of counsel in a trial at law. This word is applied also to a statement of the heads or points of a law argument.
It was not without some reference to it that I perused many a brief.
Brief
A writ issuing from the chancery, directed to any judge ordinary, commanding and authorizing that judge to call a jury to inquire into the case, and upon their verdict to pronounce sentence.
Brief
A letter patent, from proper authority, authorizing a collection or charitable contribution of money in churches, for any public or private purpose.
Brief
A type of men's underpants without legs, fitting tightly and held by an elastic waistband; also called Jockey shorts.
Brief
To make an abstract or abridgment of; to shorten; as, to brief pleadings.
Brief
A document stating the facts and points of law of a client's case
Brief
A condensed written summary or abstract
Brief
Give essential information to someone;
The reporters were briefed about the President's plan to invade
Brief
Of short duration or distance;
A brief stay in the country
In a little while
It's a little way away
Brief
Concise and succinct;
Covered the matter in a brief statement
Brief
(of clothing) very short;
An abbreviated swimsuit
A brief bikini
Common Curiosities
Who reads memorandums?
Memorandums are read by employees or departments within an organization, depending on the memo's purpose.
How does the format of a brief differ from a memorandum?
A brief has a formal structure with legal arguments and citations, while a memorandum is informal with a straightforward layout.
What is a brief?
A brief is a structured document used in legal contexts to present arguments or inform judicial decisions.
What is the main purpose of a brief?
The main purpose of a brief is to persuade or inform a judicial decision.
Who is the intended audience for a brief?
The intended audience for a brief is usually a judge or a legal body.
What is a memorandum?
A memorandum is an informal written communication used within organizations to share information or directives.
Is a brief always related to legal cases?
Yes, briefs are primarily used in legal contexts to argue a case or present legal findings.
How quickly can a memorandum be produced?
Memorandums can be produced quickly, as they are less formal and require less detailed research than briefs.
Can a memorandum be used for external communication?
Typically, memorandums are used for internal communication, but external memos can be used in certain contexts with appropriate modifications.
How formal is the language in a memorandum?
The language in a memorandum is less formal than in a legal brief but should still be clear and professional.
Do briefs have a standard format?
Yes, briefs generally follow a standard format dictated by the court or legal context in which they are used.
What makes a memorandum effective?
An effective memorandum is clear, concise, and directly addresses the purpose or information it intends to communicate.
Why do organizations use memorandums?
Organizations use memorandums for internal communication, to inform or instruct employees on various matters.
Can anyone write a memorandum?
Yes, any member of an organization can write a memorandum, though the authority to issue certain directives may be limited to specific roles.
What kind of information is included in a brief?
A brief includes detailed legal reasoning, arguments, and citations to support the case being argued.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
