An amicus curiae is someone who is not a party to a case who assists a court by offering information, expertise, or insight that has a bearing on the issues in the case. The decision on whether to consider an amicus brief lies within the discretion of the court. The phrase amicus curiae is legal Latin.

What is the purpose of an amicus brief?

2 Amicus briefs serve multiple purposes, including to: address policy issues; provide a more sympathetic advocate; supplement or bolster a party's brief; provide historical perspective or technical assistance; endorse a party; or seek to mitigate or expand the effects of a potentially important prior court opinion, ...

What is meant by amicus brief?

n. Latin for "friend of the court," a party or an organization interested in an issue which files a brief or participates in the argument in a case in which that party or organization is not one of the litigants.