Bloomberg Law
Sept. 12, 2017, 10:44 AM UTC

How ‘Friends’ of the Court Can Tip the Scales of Justice

Bloomberg Media

By Zachary Mider, Bloomberg News

The nation’s highest courts are hearing from a lot of “friends” these days — outside parties who weigh in on consequential judicial decisions by filing legal briefs. This week, Bloomberg News is publishing a series of stories revealing how these friends aren’t always who they appear to be. Sometimes, they’re paid lobbyists in disguise, helping well-funded litigants attempt to tip the scales of justice.

1. How are friends of the court supposed to work?

The amicus curiae, or friend of the court, sits outside the adversarial system that prevails in American courtrooms. Almost anyone can ...

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