LEGAL
COURTS
LISTEN TO
CPCA
By Martin J. Mayer, General Counsel
California Police Chiefs Association
The California Police Chiefs Association (CPCA) is well known
for its legislative advocacy and the fact that its opinions are
considered and respected in Sacramento. What might not be as
well known is the extent of CPCA’s legal advocacy through the
submission of amicus curiae briefs to state and federal courts,
in support of law enforcement issues.
The term “amicus curiae” literally
means “friend of the court.” It is a brief
filed by a person or an entity, who is not
a party to the litigation, but who believes
that the court’s decision may affect its
interest and not just the interest of a party.
In fact, Rule 37(1), of the Rules of the
Supreme Court of the U.S. states that “an
amicus curiae brief [is one] that brings to
the attention of the Court relevant matter
not already brought to its attention by the
parties [which] may be of considerable
help to the Court. An amicus curiae brief
that does not serve this purpose burdens
the Court, and its filing is not favored.”
Amicus briefs are important because
they can bring to the court’s attention legal
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