When the Supreme Court reviewed affirmative action in the Fisher case involving the University of Texas, hundreds of groups and individuals filed more than seventy-five different amicus curiae briefs.
Amicus curiae briefs, also known as "friend of the court" briefs, are legal documents submitted by parties who are not directly involved in the case but have an interest in its outcome. These briefs provide additional information, arguments, and perspectives to assist the court in making its decision.
In the Fisher case, the Supreme Court was examining the constitutionality of the University of Texas' affirmative action admissions policy. As this case had significant implications for affirmative action policies nationwide, many organizations, advocacy groups, educational institutions, and individuals filed amicus curiae briefs to present their viewpoints and influence the court's decision.
These amicus curiae briefs provided the court with a wide range of perspectives, legal arguments, empirical data, and historical context related to affirmative action and its impact on educational opportunities. The court considered these briefs along with the arguments presented by the parties directly involved in the case before making its ruling.