appeal-summary

name	appeal-summary
title	Appeal Document Summarization
description	Generates structured analytical summaries of appellate documents covering procedural posture, issues on appeal, standards of review, and strategic assessment. Use when onboarding to an appeal, preparing for oral argument, evaluating appellate risk, or summarizing the appellate record.
author	CaseMark
author_url	https://github.com/CaseMark/skills/tree/main/skills/legal/appeal-summary
license	Apache-2.0
version	0.1.0
execution_mode	open
jurisdiction	general
practice	litigation
language	en
tags	["summarization","summary"]

Appeal Document Summarization

Produces a structured memorandum from appellate documents (notices of appeal, briefs, lower court decisions, transcripts, motions) as the primary reference for appellate counsel.

Quick Start

Gather available documents: appellate filings, lower court decision(s), briefs, record materials, docket sheet. Produce a memorandum following the sections below. If documents are incomplete, note what is missing and adjust sections accordingly.

Memorandum Sections

1. Case Overview

Table with: caption, lower court (court/judge/case no.), appellate court (court/case no.), appellant (name/role below), appellee (name/role below), cross-appeals, nature of action.

2. Procedural History

Chronological timeline from filing through notice of appeal. Flag:

• Timeliness of notice of appeal
• Proper record designation and transmission status
• Jurisdictional defects or concerns
• Pending motions (stay, expedited review, supplemental record)

3. Issues on Appeal

For each issue, specify:

• Issue — Framed as alleged lower court error
• Standard of Review — De novo / abuse of discretion / clear error / substantial evidence
• Preservation — Where and how raised below; waiver risk
• Disposition Weight — Dispositive / secondary / alternative ground

4. Factual Summary

• Organize chronologically or thematically based on which best illuminates the issues
• Distinguish established record facts from disputed facts
• Cite record references (transcript pages, exhibit numbers) for each key assertion
• Note gaps or weaknesses in the factual record

5. Legal Arguments

For each issue, compare appellant vs. appellee on: core argument, key authorities, strongest point, vulnerability.

Additionally flag: circuit splits, questions of first impression, novel precedent extensions, amicus participation.

6. Related Proceedings

If applicable: prior appeals or remands (law of the case), parallel litigation (res judicata / collateral estoppel), administrative proceedings below, consolidated matters.

7. Strategic Assessment

Assess: standard of review advantage (favors appellant / appellee / neutral), record quality (strong / adequate / weak), weight of authority, equitable considerations, settlement posture, oral argument priorities.