Amicus Curiae
Literal meaning: “Friend of the court.”
What does the Latin term "Amicus Curiae" mean in law?
An amicus curiae is a person or organization that is not a party to a case but petitions the court or is invited by the court to file a brief offering information, expertise, or perspective relevant to the issues being decided. Amicus briefs are common in appellate courts, especially the Supreme Court, where interest groups, government agencies, law professors, and other stakeholders present arguments that may not be fully developed by the parties themselves. Courts may grant or deny leave to file an amicus brief, and while such briefs are not binding, they can significantly influence judicial reasoning.
Source: Procedure · Legal Latin
Legal Definition
An amicus curiae is a person or organization that is not a party to a case but petitions the court or is invited by the court to file a brief offering information, expertise, or perspective relevant to the issues being decided. Amicus briefs are common in appellate courts, especially the Supreme Court, where interest groups, government agencies, law professors, and other stakeholders present arguments that may not be fully developed by the parties themselves. Courts may grant or deny leave to file an amicus brief, and while such briefs are not binding, they can significantly influence judicial reasoning.
How It's Used
Amicus curiae is used when referring to third-party briefs filed in appellate proceedings. Advocacy organizations, trade associations, and government entities frequently file amicus briefs in high-profile cases. The plural form is 'amici curiae.'
Example Sentences
The ACLU filed an amicus curiae brief urging the Court to strike down the statute on First Amendment grounds.
Twenty-three states joined as amici curiae in support of the petitioner's position on federalism.
The court invited amicus briefing from the Solicitor General on the jurisdictional question.