What are the margins for amicus brief?

Asked by: Gayle Beahan V  |  Last update: January 22, 2026
Score: 4.4/5 (61 votes)

Margins. The amicus brief must contain margins at least one inch on all four sides of the page. No text except for page numbers may appear in the margins (FRAP 32(a)(4)). Font.

How much does an amicus brief cost?

For most industry groups and other organizations interested in filing amicus briefs, my answer, as an appellate specialist who practices independently, is “less than you might expect—a flat fee between $10,000 and $15,000.” And occasionally, depending on the circumstances, my answer is “nothing but the cost of printing ...

What is the standard for an amicus brief?

Amicus briefs submitted at the merits stage by entities identified in Rule 37.4 (i.e., governmental entities) are limited to 9,000 words. Rules 33.1(g)(xi) and 33.1(g)(xiii). Amicus briefs submitted at the merits stage by other individuals and entities are limited to 8,000 words. Rules 33.1(g)(xii) and 33.1(g)(xiv).

What are the margins for Scotus briefs?

(6) The margins must be at least 11/2 inches on the left and right and 1 inch on the top and bottom. (7) The pages must be consecutively numbered. (8) The cover-or first page if there is no cover-must include the information required by rule 8.816(a)(1).

How effective are amicus briefs?

Another study revealed that state supreme courts acknowledged or cited amicus briefs in 31 percent of cases and discussed arguments made in amicus briefs in 82 percent of the cases sampled. Of course, courts value amicus briefs' contributions even when they do not incorporate them into their written decisions.

Understanding Amicus Briefs

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Does the Supreme Court actually read amicus briefs?

Clerk comments suggest that, while most justices will not read the majority of amicus briefs, many will read the exceptional, superior amicus brief. A few clerks noted that, in cases where fewer amicus briefs are filed, there is a greater probability that each will be given more attention.

Can a non lawyer file an amicus brief?

WHO CAN FILE AN AMICUS. Anyone or any entity may file an Amicus Brief; however, the Counsel of Record must be a member of the Supreme Court Bar.

What is the rule 42 of the Supreme Court?

Interest and Damages. 1. If a judgment for money in a civil case is affirmed, any interest allowed by law is payable from the date the judgment under review was entered.

What is the rule 40 of Scotus?

(a) A Party's Options. A party may seek rehearing of a decision through a petition for panel rehearing, a petition for rehearing en banc, or both. Unless a local rule provides otherwise, a party seeking both forms of rehearing must file the petitions as a single document.

What is the rule 10 certiorari?

Rule 10. Considerations Governing Review on Certiorari

Review on a writ of certiorari is not a matter of right, but of judicial discretion. A petition for a writ of certiorari will be granted only for compelling reasons.

Can a party file an amicus brief?

(1) Within 14 days after the last appellant's reply brief is filed or could have been filed under rule 8.212, whichever is earlier, any person or entity may serve and file an application for permission of the presiding justice to file an amicus curiae brief.

What is the rule of four?

On the face of it, the Supreme Court's “Rule of Four” is straightforward. Where the justices have discretion as to whether to hear an appeal, at least four of the Court's members must vote to grant a writ of certiorari, which facilitates a full review on the merits.

Who files the most amicus briefs?

The groups most likely to file amicus briefs are businesses, academics, government entities, non-profits and trade associations. In the first 100 years of American high-court cases, amicus briefs were rare.

Are amicus briefs pro bono?

The Amicus Project at Southwestern is a first-of-its-kind professional outreach program, enabling law students to gain practical experience by preparing amicus—or "friend of the court"—briefs* on a pro bono basis for cases in which one is needed.

What are the rules for amicus briefs?

The only required sections of text of an amicus brief are the interests of the amicus, the summary of argument, the argument and a conclusion. Rule 37.5. Each of these should be a separate section, with a separate heading and text. The brief need not set forth the questions presented in the case.

Are amicus briefs lobbying?

Amicus briefs have become an increasingly influential tool for powerful interest groups seeking to lobby the federal courts. While interest groups lobbying Congress face stringent financial disclosure requirements, no similar requirements exist for judicial lobbying.

What is the Rule 69 of the Supreme court?

The procedure on execution—and in proceedings supplementary to and in aid of judgment or execution—must accord with the procedure of the state where the court is located, but a federal statute governs to the extent it applies.

What is Rule 35 in federal court?

Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 35(b) permits a court, upon the government's motion, to impose a new, reduced sentence that takes into account post-sentencing substantial assistance, and that new sentence may go below the recommended guideline range and any statutory mandatory minimum penalty.

What is the Rule of 5 in the Supreme court?

A five-justice majority on the Court, the strong Rule of Five asserts, can do anything, at least in deciding constitutional law cases: in such cases, the conventions of American political life do not recognize any formal power to overrule a decision short of the adoption of a constitutional amendment.

What is the word limit for the Ninth Circuit amicus brief?

What are the page or word count limitations for my brief? The length of a principal brief may not exceed 14,000 words or, if handwritten or typewritten, 50 pages. Reply briefs may not exceed 7,000 words or, if handwritten or typewritten, 25 pages.

What is the rule of 80 scotus?

The "Rule of 80" is the commonly used shorthand for the age and service requirement for a judge to assume senior status, as set forth in Title 28 of the US. Code, Section 371(c).

What is the cost of a docket fee for a writ of certiorari?

The form and contents of the petition for writ of certiorari must comply with Rules 12 and 14 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of the United States. 4. The petition must be accompanied by the $300 docket fee, payable to the Clerk of the United States Supreme Court, or by an application to proceed in forma pauperis.

Who submits amicus briefs?

Generally, it is referencing a person or group who is not a party to an action , but has a strong interest in the matter. This person or group will petition the court for permission to submit a brief in the action intending to influence the court's decision . Such briefs are called "amicus briefs."

How to format an amicus brief?

Formatting the Amicus Brief
  1. Use 12-point font, set line spacing at 1.5, and use 1-inch margins.
  2. Use double-spacing after headings and between paragraphs.
  3. Begin each page with a 3-inch top margin.
  4. Include a cover page with the name of the court, case name, and the title of the brief.

What does amicus curia mean?

Amicus Curiae. The amicus curiae, or amicus briefs, is a legal term meaning "friend of the court." This 'friend' is a person or organization offering the court additional information or perspective about the case.