Amicus Curiae Briefs

Definition

Legal documents filed in appellate court cases by non-litigants with a strong interest in the subject matter. These briefs advise the court of relevant additional information or arguments that the court might wish to consider.

Related terms

Appellate Court: A part of the judicial system that is responsible for hearing and reviewing appeals from legal cases that have already been heard in a trial-level or other lower court.

Litigation: The process of taking legal action; it includes all activities before, during, and after a lawsuit to enforce a legal right.

Judicial Review: Review by the US Supreme Court of constitutional validity of legislative acts.