A ‘friend of the court’ brief filed by an interest group to influence a Supreme Court decision is called what?

• A. Amicus brief
• B. Brief of interest group
• C. Court brief
• D. Amicus curiae brief

Answer: (D)

An amicus curiae brief is a formal document filed by someone who is not a party to a case but has a strong interest in its outcome. The term is Latin for “friend of the court,” and these briefs are used to provide the court with additional perspectives, information, or arguments that might influence the decision. In the Supreme Court, outside groups or organizations often submit these briefs to help justices understand broader implications or technical details. While people may hear “amicus brief” as shorthand, the precise term is amicus curiae brief, reflecting the formal Latin naming.