Rule 76. Amicus Curiae

The filing of a brief by an amicus curiae may be allowed upon a motion made as prescribed by Rule 7, or at the request of the court. The brief may be conditionally filed with the motion. The motion for leave shall identify the interest of the applicant and shall state the reasons why an amicus curiae is desirable. An amicus curiae shall file its brief within the time allowed the party whose position the amicus curiae brief will support unless the court for cause shown shall grant leave for later filing. In that event the court shall specify within what period an opposing party may answer. A motion of an amicus curiae to participate in the oral argument will be granted only for extraordinary reasons.

(As amended Nov. 4, 1981, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.)

Practice Comment

To provide information to assist a judge in determining whether there is reason for disqualification upon the grounds of a financial interest, under 28 U.S.C. §455, a completed "Disclosure Statement" form, available upon request from the office of the clerk, must be filed by certain corporations, trade associations, and others appearing as parties, intervenors, or amicus curiae. A copy of the "Disclosure Statement" form is shown in Form 13 of the Appendix of Forms.