Amicus curiae meaning

Amicus curiae refers to a person or group who is not a party to a case but offers expertise or insight to assist the court in making a decision.


Amicus curiae definitions

Word backwards sucima eairuc
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "amicus curiae" is a noun.
Syllabic division a-mi-cus cu-ri-ae
Plural The plural of the word amicus curiae is amici curiae.
Total letters 12
Vogais (4) a,i,u,e
Consonants (4) m,c,s,r

What is Amicus Curiae?

An amicus curiae is a Latin term that translates to "friend of the court." In the legal context, an amicus curiae is a person or organization that is not a party to a case but offers information or expertise that may be helpful to the court in making its decision. Essentially, an amicus curiae provides additional, often crucial, insight into the legal issues at hand.

Role of Amicus Curiae

Amicus curiae briefs are commonly filed in appellate court cases, although they can also be submitted during trial proceedings. The main role of an amicus curiae is to provide the court with a different perspective on the legal issues being considered. These briefs may include legal arguments, relevant facts, or policy implications that the court might not have otherwise considered.

Benefits of Amicus Curiae Briefs

One of the primary benefits of amicus curiae briefs is that they allow the court to consider a wide range of viewpoints and expertise on complex legal matters. They can provide valuable context, case law citations, and analysis that help the court arrive at a more informed decision. Additionally, amicus curiae briefs can help ensure that all relevant arguments are presented, even if they were not raised by the parties involved.

Submitting an Amicus Curiae Brief

Individuals and organizations interested in submitting an amicus curiae brief must seek permission from the court to do so. Typically, the parties involved in the case must consent to the filing of the brief. Once permission is granted, the amicus curiae has a set deadline to submit their brief, which usually follows the same format as the parties' briefs.

Impact of Amicus Curiae

Amicus curiae briefs have the potential to significantly influence the outcome of a case by providing the court with additional information and arguments. Judges may rely on these briefs to better understand the implications of their decisions or to fill gaps in their knowledge on a particular issue. As such, the participation of amicus curiae can shape the development of the law and have a lasting impact on legal precedent.

In conclusion, the role of amicus curiae in the legal system is vital in promoting a more comprehensive and just decision-making process. By offering unique perspectives and expertise, amicus curiae briefs enhance the quality of legal arguments before the court and contribute to the development of the law.


Amicus curiae Examples

  1. The attorney filed a brief as an amicus curiae in support of the plaintiff's case.
  2. The organization submitted a petition to the court seeking permission to appear as an amicus curiae in the upcoming trial.
  3. The judge allowed the environmental group to participate in the proceedings as an amicus curiae due to their expertise on the subject matter.
  4. The legal scholar provided valuable insights to the court as an amicus curiae on the implications of the proposed legislation.
  5. The civil rights organization was granted permission to file an amicus curiae brief arguing for equal protection under the law.
  6. The Supreme Court considered the perspective of the amicus curiae in its final ruling on the controversial case.
  7. The bar association regularly submits amicus curiae briefs on important legal issues facing the community.
  8. The role of an amicus curiae is to provide additional information or arguments to assist the court in making a decision.
  9. The appellate court welcomed the input of the experienced attorney acting as an amicus curiae in the complex case.
  10. The legal team consulted with various amicus curiae experts to strengthen their argument before the hearing.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 28/04/2024 - 20:01:18