Amicus Curiae

Definition

An amicus curiae ("friend of the court") is a person or organization that is not a party to a case but offers information, expertise, or legal arguments to assist the court in its decision-making. Amicus briefs are common in appellate courts, particularly the Supreme Court, where they provide perspectives beyond those of the litigants. Court permission or party consent is typically required. Amicus briefs can be influential in shaping the development of the law, especially in cases with broad public significance.

Example

The ACLU files an amicus brief in a First Amendment case, arguing that the challenged law chills protected speech. The brief informs the court but the ACLU is not a party to the case.