Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure (FRAP)
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Overview
The Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure (FRAP) govern practice and procedure in appeals to United States courts of appeals from district courts and agencies. These rules establish strict deadlines and procedural requirements that must be followed to preserve appellate rights.
Critical: Appellate deadlines are often non-extendable and missing them can result in dismissal of the appeal.
FRAP 3-4: Notice of Appeal and Timing
FRAP 4(a): Civil Appeals
- • 30 days from judgment entry (general rule)
- • 60 days if United States is a party
- • 180 days absolute maximum (with qualifying motions)
- • Tolled by certain post-judgment motions
FRAP 4(b): Criminal Appeals
- • 14 days from judgment entry
- • 14 days for government appeals
- • May be extended to 30 days for good cause
- • Different rules for guilty plea appeals
FRAP 3: Notice Content Requirements
- 1Specify the party taking the appeal
- 2Designate the judgment, order, or part thereof being appealed
- 3Name the court to which the appeal is taken
FRAP 10-11: Record on Appeal
FRAP 10: Record Contents
- • Original papers and exhibits filed in district court
- • Transcript of proceedings, if any
- • Certified copy of docket entries
- • Statement of evidence if no transcript available
FRAP 11: Transmission Timeline
- • Record due within 40 days of notice filing
- • Transcript ordering responsibility
- • District clerk transmission duties
- • Extensions available for good cause
FRAP 28-32: Briefing Requirements
Standard Briefing Schedule
40 days
Appellant's Brief
After record filing
30 days
Appellee's Brief
After appellant's brief
14 days
Reply Brief
After appellee's brief
FRAP 28: Brief Content Requirements
- • Corporate disclosure statement
- • Table of contents and authorities
- • Jurisdictional statement
- • Statement of issues
- • Statement of case and facts
- • Summary of argument
- • Argument with legal authorities
- • Conclusion and relief sought
FRAP 32: Brief Formatting
- • 30 pages maximum (principal briefs), 15 pages (reply)
- • 14-point type, proportionally spaced font
- • Double spacing for text
- • 1½ inch margins on all sides
Practice Checklists
Pre-Appeal Checklist
- ☐ Verify final judgment entered
- ☐ Calculate appeal deadline precisely
- ☐ Determine if any tolling motions filed
- ☐ Identify all parties to appeal
- ☐ Prepare notice of appeal
- ☐ File notice timely with proper service
Post-Appeal Checklist
- ☐ Order transcripts immediately
- ☐ Designate record contents
- ☐ Monitor record transmission deadline
- ☐ Calendar briefing deadlines
- ☐ Begin brief preparation early
- ☐ Coordinate with opposing counsel