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Arts & Culture

The Role of Amicus Curiae Briefs in Shaping Appellate Decisions

Quick fact

In landmark Supreme Court cases, amicus briefs are filed in the vast majority of cases, and studies show that the number and quality of amicus briefs can correlate with the likelihood that the Court will grant a case or rule a certain way.

Why this is interesting

You’ve probably heard that only two sides argue before an appellate court—so who are all those other people filing briefs? Those 'friends of the court' are quietly shaping some of the most important legal decisions in history.