“Amicus curiae” is a Latin term that means “friend of the court” in English. In legal situations, it refers to a person or entity that is not a party to a case but provides information or expertise to aid the court in making a decision. An amicus curiae can submit a brief or present oral arguments, giving additional perspectives, insights, or legal arguments that may be relevant to the case.
The function of an amicus curiae is to highlight significant issues that the court may not address fully, particularly those with broader implications for the legal system, public policy, or specific industries. Amicus briefs are typically submitted in cases with significant public interest or those that affect public policy.
Although the court is not bound to follow the advice or arguments presented by an amicus curiae, these submissions can impact the court’s decision-making process by providing valuable information and alternative viewpoints. Amicus curiae participation is commonly observed in appellate courts and cases of significant public interest.
