Buzz
Fonts and typefaces are a matter of personal preference. You might favor Helvetica, a choice shared by many global corporations as it’s the world’s most widely used typeface. Others might opt for Arial or Times New Roman. However, if you’re dealing with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, choosing an unconventional or elaborate font could lead to complications.
The D.C. Circuit recently released a notice [PDF] reprimanding attorneys for using Garamond in their filings. The court argues that Garamond appears smaller than standard fonts like Century and Times New Roman, making it harder to read.
There’s also a more strategic reason behind the court’s stance on Garamond. Its compact size enables lawyers to bypass page limits for court documents by fitting more text onto each page. Some legal experts suggest that using Garamond could reduce the length of a brief by several pages.
The D.C. Circuit makes a valid argument. Garamond is notably more condensed than many fonts. In appellate filings, it often reduces the length of a brief by several pages, making it a go-to option for documents with strict page limits. However, some argue it can cause eyestrain. 1/2 https://t.co/6iyQP6Y2uu pic.twitter.com/o9W7OAo8jB
— John Elwood (@johnpelwood) March 17, 2021
This issue may be gaining attention because judges are increasingly reviewing filings on digital screens, where Garamond’s smaller size can be harder to read.
Garamond, designed by 16th-century French engraver Claude Garamond, is a font many recognize from popular book series like Harry Potter and Hunger Games.
The D.C. Circuit recommends using Century or Times New Roman in 14-point serif typeface, which includes small decorative strokes on letters. While not an outright prohibition, the court warns that circumventing length restrictions could lead to briefs being rejected. Those who ignore these guidelines might receive a rejection letter—likely typed in Times New Roman.
