Glossary
Oral argument
A court session where lawyers stand up and answer judges' questions about a pending appeal. Usually 15-30 minutes per side. Not every appeal gets oral argument: many are decided on the briefs alone.
Oral argument is more conversation than speech. The lawyer starts with a brief opening, but the judges quickly take over, asking pointed questions about specific points in the briefs. Good oral advocates expect the judges' real concerns and answer honestly, even when honesty hurts their position.
In the U.S. Supreme Court, oral arguments are open to the public (and the audio is now released the same week). In most lower appellate courts, arguments are also public, though the audience is usually just the parties and a few law students.