Legal Definitions - bench memo

A bench memo is a brief document prepared by a lawyer or a law clerk to assist a judge in making a decision. It can be used in both trial and appellate courts.

1. A trial judge may request a bench memo from a lawyer to help them understand the legal issues involved in a case before making a ruling.

2. An appellate judge's law clerk may prepare a bench memo to help the judge prepare for oral argument and draft an opinion.

These examples illustrate how a bench memo can be used to provide a judge with important information and analysis to help them make a well-informed decision. It can be a valuable tool for both trial and appellate judges.