Amicus Curiae Service Professional legal assistance in international affairs

Literally translated from Latin, Amicus Curiae means “friend of the court.” This instrument is a special opinion, an expert opinion that can be provided to a court or tribunal by a third party who is not a party to the dispute. Such documents often have a decisive influence on the outcome of proceedings, especially when it comes to complex international cases.

Facing a global dispute, sanctions issue or risk of extradition? Our experts will prepare an Amicus Curiae, an independent legal opinion that helps the court evaluate the case comprehensively. We deeply analyze the norms of international law, take into account national characteristics and select convincing arguments that can significantly influence the outcome of the dispute. We know how important timely professional support is in legal disputes, and we will do everything to ensure that your position is heard and appreciated!

The Role of Amicus Curiae in Cases Involving Interpol

When it comes to cases related to Interpol, the parties often need to bring additional legal arguments to the process. In such situations, Amicus Curiae can help – an independent expert (organization, law firm or research center) who is not a direct party to the dispute, but provides the court or other legal body with his professional opinion. 

The purpose of such a conclusion is to help the justice body better understand the legal and factual aspects of the case, as well as offer additional argumentation that may be important for a fair outcome. A “friend of the court” does not defend the interests of the plaintiff or defendant, but acts in the interests of justice and objectivity, although he may analyze the case from the position of one of the parties.

Engaged in the international search and exchange of information about alleged criminals, Interpol has a number of internal regulations and restrictions. Sometimes a Red Notice can be used not only for a bona fide search, but also as a tool of pressure. It is here that the role of Amicus Curiae is most clearly revealed.

The Friend of the Court will determine whether there was a basis for issuing the notice, whether it complies with the organization’s principles, and whether it violates the anti-harassment provisions on racial, religious, or political grounds. At extradition In trials, it is important whether the charge is prosecutable in both jurisdictions. An Amicus Curiae can explain these points to the court and show where such compliance is lacking.

Because Amicus Curiae does not directly benefit from the outcome of the case, its analysis is perceived more neutrally than the arguments of defense attorneys or prosecutors. 

If a party to the case relies on irrefutable international practice, which is confirmed by an independent expert, it is more difficult for the court to ignore such an argument. At the same time, the “friend of the court” can draw attention to the weak points of the opposing side’s argumentation.

Amicus Curiae provides the court with a coherent legal overview that can guide its logic in reaching a decision. This is particularly useful in cases where there are complex cross-border aspects that are not fully regulated by local laws.

Process for preparing and filing an Amicus Curiae Brief

Step 1. Case analysis and legal research

Before starting to draft an Amicus Curiae, specialists carefully study all the materials of the case: statements of claim, official documents, procedural acts, international agreements, as well as any available judicial or administrative practice.

The purpose of this stage is to understand what the essence of the dispute is and the main legal issues that the court will consider. It is at this point that experts determine whether a friend of the court can actually influence the outcome of the proceedings by introducing additional arguments or providing unique expert information.

Based on its research, the legal team determines its filing strategy: what aspects of the case need additional coverage, what issues would the court particularly benefit from expert opinion, what is the client’s intended position, and how will Amicus Curiae benefit in achieving its goals?

Step 2. Drawing up a conclusion with expert comments

Lawyers draw up an outline of the document: introductory part, summary of the essence of the case, legal analysis, conclusions and recommendations. Unlike ordinary legal documents, in an Amicus Curiae it is important to emphasize the independence and expertise of the party preparing it. Particular attention is paid explanation, why this particular organization/expert is competent to make judgments on the case.

The text details relevant articles of laws, precedents, and international treaties. It is important to avoid ambiguity and convincingly demonstrate how each argument relates to the circumstances of the case.

The document is reviewed within the legal team to eliminate possible inaccuracies, correct stylistic flaws and supplement the argumentation.

Step 3. Submitting an opinion to the court and interacting with international authorities

Each court or body considering a case has its own rules for accepting Amicus Curiae. It is important to submit an opinion at a time when the court is still ready to accept additional materials and has not made a decision. Lawyers may present their arguments orally in court or at a special hearing.

The parties to the proceeding may express their positions regarding the Amicus Curiae: challenge or support the findings. In some cases, one of the parties may even ask the court not to take into account this document if it considers it prejudicial.

Step 4. Expected results and possible consequences for the client

If a client’s goal is to obtain recognition of certain rights, or to overturn or block adverse measures, Amicus Curiae can play a decisive role by supporting the legal position with additional arguments.

The participation of an influential expert group in a case can increase the degree of credibility of the client’s position, as well as strengthen the reputation of the legal team itself, acting as a “friend of the court.”

The court has no strict duty to follow the opinion of the Amicus Curiae. In some cases, a document may be “noted” but not have a key impact on the decision. If the deadline for filing an Amicus Curiae is missed or the document does not meet formal requirements, the court may refuse to consider it.

If you are faced with international legal proceedings and want to strengthen your position with the help of Amicus Curiae, we recommend that you contact professionals who specialize in such cases. They will help you prepare a high-quality conclusion, take into account all the nuances and achieve maximum effect from this legal instrument.

Benefits of Using Amicus Curiae in International Affairs

An Amicus Curiae is filed by an independent party, which gives the document special value in the eyes of the court. The lack of direct material interest in the outcome of the case is emphasized, which strengthens the credibility of the arguments and analysis presented.

International cases often involve different legal systems, international conventions, extradition agreements, etc. Amicus Curiae can clarify complex issues, refer to international practice, and provide additional arguments.

By obtaining an Amicus Curiae, the court or tribunal has access to a wider range of arguments, as well as the experience and knowledge of specialists, which helps make a more informed decision. In a number of cases, it is the conclusions of the “friend of the court” that can convince judges of the need to revise or supplement the legal assessment.

If an Amicus Curiae is prepared on behalf of one of the parties, it can greatly expand and deepen the legal argument by providing the court with additional information and doctrinal support. Demonstration that independent experts or reputable organizations support a similar point of view, sometimes significantly tilting the scales of justice in favor of the client.

Amicus Curiae often include references to decisions of foreign courts, summarize best law enforcement practices, thereby helping the court to go beyond the limits of local legislation. In the long term, such conclusions contribute to the unification and development of international law.

Our Lawyers

Amicus Curiae is not just an additional brief or a formal opinion, but an effective mechanism that can radically change the outcome of international judicial and administrative disputes. Our experience, deep knowledge of international law and the desire for high-quality results allow us to prepare such documents as professionally and convincingly as possible.

We will review the source materials and determine which aspects require additional expert review. If necessary, we conduct comparative legal analysis and study judicial and administrative precedents in different jurisdictions. This basis allows you to determine how appropriate it is to file an Amicus Curiae in a particular dispute and what main arguments should be brought to the fore.

Based on the information collected, we formulate a clear strategy: where to focus the emphasis, how to include expert opinions, and what document format will be most effective for a particular court or body. Our legal team prepares an Amicus Curiae, which includes a thorough legal analysis and specific recommendations for the court. If necessary, additional experts in related fields are brought in to ensure that the “friend of the court” contains a comprehensive analysis and rationale.

We comply with the highest standards of professional ethics: all information about clients and their affairs is reliably protected. When preparing Amicus Curiae, we use only verified sources and reliable arguments, which increases the authority and objectivity of the document. Our goal is not just to submit a document, but to achieve a qualitative influence on the judicial and arbitration process, to show the court a legally impeccable, but at the same time pragmatic and understandable position.

We take care of all procedural issues related to registration, registration and submission of Amicus Curiae to the court or other body. If necessary, we participate in hearings, explain the contents of the document and answer questions from the court.

Contact us now if you need additional legal support and would like to engage an Amicus Curiae for a fair and professional trial. Our team is ready to take on all aspects of preparing an Amicus Curiae to ensure that your interests and positions are represented as convincingly and competently as possible.