Principle Statement

The purpose of a reply brief of argument is meant to give an appellant the advantage of replying to new points of law raised in a respondent's brief of argument which he may wish to clarify, and not to repeat his earlier argument.

Ratio Decidendi (Source)

Per Mukhtar, JSC, in Agala & Ors v. Okunsin & Ors (2010) NLC-123-25-2003(SC) at p. 3; Paras A–B.

"The purpose of a reply brief of argument is meant to give an appellant the advantage of replying to new points of law raised in a respondent's brief of argument which he may wish to clarify, and not to repeat his earlier argument."
View Judgment →

Explanation / Scope

This principle establishes that a reply brief is for replying to new points of law raised in the respondent’s brief, not for repeating earlier arguments. The principle applies in appellate practice. It ensures that reply briefs are used appropriately. The principle reflects the purpose of reply briefs. It prevents unnecessary repetition. The court must determine if new points are raised. The principle provides guidance on the proper use of reply briefs.

Cases Applying This Principle

Melford Agala & Ors v. Chief Benjamin Okunsin & Ors