Amicus Curiae, Latin for “friend of the court,” refers to a person or organization that is not a party to a case but offers information, expertise, or insight relevant to the issues being considered. The goal of an Amicus Curiae brief is to assist the court in making a more informed decision by providing additional perspectives.
Legal Context:
An Amicus Curiae brief is often submitted by experts, advocacy groups, or government entities in cases of broad public interest or significant legal impact. These briefs can influence the court by presenting arguments or facts that the actual parties in the case might not have fully covered. Courts are not obligated to accept or consider Amicus Curiae briefs, but they often do in cases with far-reaching implications.
Example
In landmark cases, such as those involving civil rights or constitutional questions, multiple Amicus Curiae briefs may be submitted by various interest groups. For instance, in a Supreme Court case about freedom of speech, a civil liberties organization might file an Amicus Curiae brief to provide historical context and legal arguments supporting broader interpretations of free speech rights.
