Brief

A brief is an organized collection of evidence cards and other argumentation on a specific topic that a debater can use to help prepare their speeches in-round. Briefs may focus on attacking a specific case (a Negative brief), supporting an Affirmative plan (Affirmative backup), or may contain generic arguments that can be used in a variety of contexts (a generic brief).

Construction
Most briefs are constructed with word processors, but custom research software like Factsmith may be used instead. Standards like CITE exist to simplify brief construction and make it easier to transfer evidence from one brief to another, but not all debaters follow them.

Physical attributes
Most briefs are printed on 8½" x 11" letter paper, with ½" to 1.5" margins and a header (or sometimes footer) with the brief title on each page. Page numbers, author names, and printing dates may also be included in the header or footer.

A brief may be loose-leaf or stapled together. Stapling a brief keeps it together, so the pages do not get lost or mixed up at the table, but many debaters prefer the flexibility of loose-leaf pages - for example, a debater might take an individual page out of a brief to carry with him to the lectern. A brief may also be printed single-sided or double-sided. Single-sided pages take up more space in the user's debate box, but may be easier to handle in-round, especially if the brief is loose-leaf.

In rare cases, briefs may be printed as a collection of notecards, rather than on letter paper. This was more common in pre-Internet days when evidence was often photocopied directly from books and journals.