Final answer:
Amicus curiae briefs are 'friend of the court' briefs filed by entities not directly involved in a case, used to influence court decisions. These documents provide arguments and information to show the wider impact of court rulings, with groups like the Human Rights Campaign participating in significant cases like Obergefell v. Hodges.
Step-by-step explanation:
Amicus curiae briefs are legal documents submitted to appellate courts by non-litigants with strong interest in the subject matter. The term translates to "friend of the court," indicating that the submitter, while not involved in the lawsuit, has a significant stake in the case's outcome. These briefs are a critical tool for interest groups looking to influence judicial decisions. Lawyers on behalf of these groups craft detailed explanations and arguments aiming to demonstrate how the court's ruling could impact society or the group they represent. A well-known case featuring numerous amicus curiae briefs was the historic Obergefell v. Hodges, where groups like the Human Rights Campaign provided their legal interpretations to support same-sex marriage, contributing to the case's legal discourse and potentially the Supreme Court's decision-making process.
During oral arguments, lawyers from both sides present their case to the justices, fielding questions that usually go beyond the merits or the details already included in the briefs. In cases where the United States is a party, the solicitor general represents the government. Otherwise, the solicitor general may still contribute by submitting a government's amicus brief, expressing the official position on the matter at hand.