What is an amicus brief, and when might it influence the interpretation or application of authorities?

• A. A brief by a non-party offering information to influence decision; can inform judges and weigh arguments.
• B. A brief filed by the litigants only.
• C. A brief from the court.
• D. A press release by the party.

Answer: (A)

An amicus brief is a document filed in court by someone who is not a party to the case but has a strong interest in the issue. Its purpose is to provide information, arguments, or expertise that the parties might not raise, helping the court understand broader legal, policy, or practical implications. Because it comes from a non-party and aims to influence the decision, it can inform judges and weigh arguments by presenting additional authorities, highlighting how a ruling could affect others, or offering alternative readings of statutes or precedents. This is why the answer is the best: it captures both the non-party involvement and the potential to shape how authorities are interpreted or applied. The other options misstate who files the brief (the litigants file their own briefs), misidentify the document as coming from the court, or describe something like a press release rather than a legal brief submitted to the court.