Amicus curiae (“friend-of-the-court”) briefs are briefs written by individuals or groups who are not directly involved in a legal case, but have expertise or insight to offer a court to assist in making its decision.

In case you were wondering.

So basically travel agents for thomas?

In no way are they related. You seem to have not understood the definition. It’s a latin phrase used to refer to writings submitted on behalf of a side in a court case as an ex parte expert on the subject at hand. It has nothing to do with lobbying or actual friends of court officials.

I think you are missing fully half of the story here.

If someone gives you lavish gifts, free luxury vacations, use of their private jet, all-expenses paid vacation cruises, you start thinking of that person as a ‘friend’, no?

In this case, ‘friend of the court’ clearly has double meaning.