The courts
amicus brief
A 'friend of the court' filing from a non-party, a state, industry group, scholar, or the federal government, urging a particular outcome or offering expertise.
In full
Amicus curiae briefs let outsiders with a stake or expertise weigh in on appeals. In major Supreme Court cases they arrive by the dozens. The most influential amicus is the Solicitor General, whose office represents the United States and whose views the Court often solicits outright ('CVSG').
Also written as: amicus curiae
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A plain-language explanation for civic education, not legal advice. When in doubt, the official source named above controls.