Case briefs are exactly what their name suggests: brief yet structured summaries of a court opinion. Generally one page in length, briefs are effective study tools for law students and are useful for interpreting common law. They include basic information about the case such as date, court level, and title, plus allegations by the plaintiff and defendant, case facts, any issues the case deals with, and the court's decision. Briefing is especially helpful for policy practitioners because it encourages a focus on the most important elements of a case, and fosters an understanding of the implications of a court's decision.