amicus curiae

noun

amicus cu·​ri·​ae -ˈkyu̇r-ē-ˌī 

-ˈku̇r-,

-i-ˌē

plural amici curiae

: one (such as a professional person or organization) that is not a party to a particular litigation but that is permitted by the court to advise it in respect to some matter of law that directly affects the case in question

Examples of amicus curiae in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The University of San Diego joined more than 80 colleges across the country in filing an amicus curiae brief Wednesday in support of a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s arrests and deportations of students and faculty who have protested Israel’s war in Gaza. —Kristen Taketa, Mercury News, 11 Apr. 2025

Judge Dale Ho adjourned the trial set to start in April, but is ordering both parties and an amicus curiae, or an impartial advisor, to consider whether the charges should be dismissed altogether. —Adam Reiss, NBC News, 21 Feb. 2025

Specifically, Ho has appointed Paul Clement as amicus curiae ... —Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 22 Feb. 2025

In addition, three new amicus curiae briefs were filed this week that oppose selection of a receiver with ties to city government. —Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin amīcus cūriae "friend of the court"

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for amicus curiae

• glycosuria
• nocturia

Legal Definition

amicus curiae

noun

amicus cu·​ri·​ae

-ˈkyu̇r-ē-ˌī, -ˈku̇r-, -ē-ˌē

plural amici curiae

: one (as an individual or organization) that is not a party to a particular lawsuit but is allowed to advise the court regarding a point of law or fact directly concerning the lawsuit

an amicus curiae must file its brief…no later than 7 days after the principal brief

—Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure Rule 29

called also friend of the court

Etymology

New Latin, literally, friend of the court