Legal Dictionary
Amicus Curiae
Definition
Friend of the court; a person or group who is not a party to an action, but has a strong interest in the matter.
Deep Dive
An "amicus curiae," Latin for "friend of the court," refers to an individual or organization that is not a party to a particular legal action but is permitted to advise the court on a matter of law or fact. These entities submit "amicus briefs" to provide information, expertise, or a perspective that has not been presented by the parties involved, thereby helping the court make more informed decisions, especially in cases with broad public interest or complex technical issues. Their role is to assist the court, not to advocate for one specific litigant.
Examples & Use Cases
- 1A civil rights organization files an amicus brief in a Supreme Court case concerning affirmative action, offering data and arguments on the policy's societal impact.
- 2A medical association submits an amicus brief in a product liability lawsuit against a pharmaceutical company, providing expert scientific context on drug safety.
- 3A group of economists files an amicus brief in an antitrust case, explaining the potential market implications of different legal outcomes.
Related Terms
BriefIntervenorStare Decisis