Friend of the Court

/ˈfrɛnd əv ðə kɔːrt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A person or organization not party to a case who offers information or expertise relevant to the case for the court's consideration.
    The environmental group acted as a friend of the court to provide scientific insights on the case.

Forms

  • friends of the court

Commentary

Often synonymous with amicus curiae, 'friend of the court' typically refers to third parties assisting appellate or trial courts by submitting briefs or opinions to inform judicial decisions.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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