WordValeamicus curiae
an outside party allowed to advise the court
In more detail
a person or organization that is not a party to a legal case but offers information or assistance to the court to help it reach a fair decision
Examples
- The environmental group filed an amicus curiae brief to present scientific evidence about pollution effects.
How to use amicus curiae
Amicus curiae is a Latin legal term used primarily in formal court proceedings to describe someone or an organization permitted to participate in litigation without being a party. It is typically employed in appellate courts where third parties with relevant expertise or interests seek to influence the outcome through written briefs or oral arguments. The term carries formal register and is standard in legal contexts.
Common phrases
- file an amicus curiae brief
- amicus curiae submission
- amicus curiae intervention
- seek amicus curiae status
- amicus curiae arguments
Synonyms
friend of the court · interested party · intervener
A common mistake
Learners sometimes treat 'amicus curiae' as if it refers to a type of lawyer or legal representative, when it actually describes a third-party participant in the case.
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