Legal Speak Made Easy

“Amicus Curiae”

Literally meaning “Friend of the Court”, this is an impartial person or organisation allowed by a court to help it by providing information, expertise or insight (legal or factual) into issues before the court in a particular case.

These issues would normally be of a public interest nature, such as human rights or constitutional questions in which the court is likely to be assisted in determining the matter by being offered a broader view and more comprehensive information or insight than would usually be provided by the actual parties to the case.