4th Cir. R. 34(b)

Whenever the Court determines pursuant to Local Rule 22(a) that briefing is appropriate on an

appeal in a non-capital case from the denial of a writ of habeas corpus or of a motion under 28

U.S.C. § 2255, or whenever any pro se appeal is filed from any other type of judgment or order, the

clerk shall notify the appellant that appellant shall file, within 21 days after service of such notice,

an informal brief, listing the specific issues and supporting facts and arguments raised on appeal.

Appellee is permitted, but not required, to file an informal response brief within 14 days after service

of appellant's informal brief, and appellant is permitted, but not required, to file an informal reply

brief within 10 days after service of appellee's informal response brief. Appellant's informal brief

and any informal response and reply briefs filed by the parties shall be considered, together with the

record and other relevant documents, by the panel to which the proceeding has been referred. The

Court will limit its review to the issues raised in the informal brief.

The informal brief may be submitted on a form provided by the clerk and shall provide the

specific information required by the form. The parties need not limit their briefs solely to the form.

An additional supporting memorandum may be attached if a party deems it necessary in order to

address adequately the issues raised, but the informal brief and any supporting memorandum shall

not exceed the length limitations established by FRAP 32(a)(7). It is unnecessary to attach record

excerpts since the record is before the Court. It is not necessary to cite cases in an informal brief.

Unless additional copies are requested by the Clerk, only the original informal brief must be filed

with the Court and copies served on the other parties to the case.

Once an informal briefing schedule has been established the parties may file a formal brief only

with the permission of the Court. The Court initially reviews cases that are informally briefed under

its procedures set forth in Local Rule 34(a) pertaining to pre-argument review.

If the panel reviewing an informal brief submitted by an indigent pro se litigant determines that

further briefing and possible oral argument would be of assistance, counsel will be appointed and

directed to file additional formal briefs. In any appeal that has been informally briefed, the Court

may direct that additional briefs be filed prior to oral argument.