Amicus curiae - sustany/dvg GitHub Wiki

Amicus Curiae literally translated from Latin is "friend of the�court." Plural is "amici curiae."�

Generally, it is referencing� a person or group who is not a�party�to an�action, but has a strong interest in the matter. This person or group will�petition�the�court�for permission to submit a�brief�in the�action�intending to influence the�court�s�decision. Such briefs are called "amicus briefs."

Rule 37�of the�Rules of the Supreme Court of the United States�dictates the content, format, and circumstances of amicus�briefs�before the U.S.�Supreme Court.�

In general,�Rule 29�of the�Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure�governs amici�curiae in�federal courts.�

State�rules of�civil�and�appellate procedure�govern amici curiae in�state�cases.�

In addition to�advocating�for an outcome through�briefs, amici curiae sometimes participate in oral�arguments�before an�appellate court.

See�Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedtfor a recent example of amici curiae submitting�briefs�to the�Court, and note how frequently the majority and concurring�opinions�cite to amicus�briefs.