What does “amicus curiae” mean?

The term “amicus curiae” translates to “friend of the court” and is used in legal contexts to refer to an individual or organization that is not a party to a particular case but offers information, expertise, or insight that may assist the court in its decision-making process. This can help judges consider broader implications of a case or provide perspectives that might not otherwise be represented.

Such submissions can be particularly valuable in cases where the issues at hand could affect a larger group of individuals or involve complex societal questions. Amicus briefs can be filed by various entities, including advocacy groups, professional associations, or government entities, to supply the court with additional context or specialized knowledge related to the case.

In contrast, the other options identify different roles or definitions: parties involved in a case, defendants, or legal advisors within government structures, none of which capture the essence and function of an amicus curiae.