Amicus Curiae Audience Assignment

Mock Supreme Court Audience Assignment: Name:__________________________

Write an Amicus Curiae “Friend of the Court” Brief

What is an amicus curiae brief?: Latin term meaning "friend of the court". The name for a brief filed with the court by someone who is not a party to the case.

"... a phrase that literally means "friend of the court" -- someone who is not a party to the litigation, but who believes that the court's decision may affect its interest." Amicus Curiae briefs are filed in many Supreme Court matters, both at the Petition for Writ of Certiorari stage, and when the Court is deciding a case on its merits. Some studies have shown a positive correlation between number of amicus briefs filed in support of granting certiorari, and the Court's decision to grant certiorari. Some friend of the court briefs provide valuable information about legal arguments, or how a case might affect people other than the parties to the case. Some organizations file friend of the court briefs in an attempt to "lobby" the Supreme Court, obtain media attention, or impress members.

Day 1 of the Trial:

Listen carefully to both sides of the debate. Take notes. Then, for homework, write an amicus curiae brief, representing an organization that you think would support your side of the argument.

Constitutional Question being Debated:_______________________________________________________________

Argument 1 Summary:

Argument 2 Summary:

I agree that ______________________________________________________________________________________.

I represent (choose a group or organization that you think would support this side of the argument, like “police officers”, or “Mothers Against Drunk Driving”, or “The Boy Scouts of America”, or “The United Federation of Teachers”, or “The American Society of Pediatricians”……)

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

AMICUS CURIAE BRIEF (pretend you area member of the group you selected and write down the reasons you support the legal argument that you support. The Chief Justice will choose the best 4 amicus curiae briefs and read them at the beginning of the Justice Deliberations. Due at the beginning of class tomorrow. Use the back of this paper if necessary)