๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿพโ€โš–๏ธap us government review

Amicus curiae

Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2027 exam
Verified for the 2027 examโ€ขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated August 2025

Definition

Nonparty organizations or individuals submit written arguments and evidence to appellate courts, especially the Supreme Court, to provide expertise, policy context, or legal perspectives beyond the positions of the litigants. These filingsโ€”used frequently by interest groups and advocacy organizations in cases such as Brown v. Board of Educationโ€”can shape judicial interpretation, influence constitutional doctrine, and affect public policy outcomes.

AP course connection

Topic 2.1: 2.10 The Court in Action

Unit 2