What is the word limit for a respondent’s brief in the Texas Supreme Court?

A respondent’s brief (also known as a respondent’s brief on the merits, respondent’s merits brief, or respondent’s full briefing) is generally limited to 15,000 words (with certain sections of the brief exempted from the word limit). See Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.4(i)(2)(B). It is possible to file a motion requesting that the Supreme Court permit more words than are generally allowed by the rules. See Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.4(i)(4). Keep in mind that a brief can generally only be filed in the Texas Supreme Court after the Supreme Court requests one. The initial filing in the Texas Supreme Court is a petition for review rather than a brief.

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