Amicus Briefs

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An amicus brief—also known as an amicus curiae or “friend of the court”—is a brief filed in a court case by a person or group that is not a party to the lawsuit. Usually the amicus brief is filed because the person or group feels the decision of the court will affect them in some way. Amicus briefs are intended to bring matters to the court’s attention that the parties involved in the case may not bring. They can be filed when the court is deciding whether or not to hear the case, or when the court has already accepted the case.

The Goldwater Institute files amicus briefs in cases it feels are important to protecting liberty. Amicus briefs have been filed by the Goldwater Institute in cases that threaten freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, and equal protection, among many others. The Goldwater Institute will continue filing amicus briefs whenever it feels the courts are examining an issue that could jeopardize constitutional rights. Below are amicus briefs filed by the Goldwater Institute.

McDonald v. City of Chicago

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission--second amicus brief

Alvarez v. Smith

Northwest Austin Municipal Utility District Number One v. Holder

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission

Dupuy v. McEwen Amicus Curiae Brief

Randall v. Sorrell

Wisconsin Right to Life v. Federal Election Commission