amici curiae

Translingual

Etymology

Latin, literally "friends of the court(s)"

Noun

amici curiae (plural amicus curia or amicus curiae)

1. (law) People/entities who have been allowed by the court to plead or make submissions but who, however, are not directly involved in the action.

   MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS v FOURIE (DOCTORS FOR LIFE INTERNATIONAL AND OTHERS, AMICI CURIAE)LESBIAN AND GAY EQUALITY PROJECT AND OTHERS v MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS 2006 (1) SA 524 (CC): "Prior to the hearing, applications were made by Doctors For Life International and its legal representative Mr John Smyth, to be admitted as amici curiae.