What is an amicus brief?
A. An amicus brief is a brief filed by an amicus curiae (“friend of the Court”) — a person or organization who is not a party to the case being argued, but who believes it has an important perspective or insight that should be brought to the Justices’ attention. Rule 37 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of the United States notes that “An amicus curiae brief that brings to the attention of the Court relevant matter not already brought to its attention by the parties may be of considerable help to the Court. An amicus curiae brief that does not serve this purpose burdens the Court, and its filing is not favored.
