What is “oral argument”?

Oral argument is a hearing in a Texas appellate court. Even if all parties to an appeal request an oral argument, the court is not required to conduct an oral argument. Likewise, even if none of the parties request an oral argument, the court may nevertheless schedule an oral argument. If a party wishes to request oral argument, the request for oral argument should be on the cover of the party’s appellate brief. See Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.4(g). A party’s appellate brief may, but is not required to, include a section explaining why the party believes that oral argument should or should not be granted. See Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 38.1(e).

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