This week, we’re concluding our review of the amicus data by areas of law, asking (1) which areas of law generated the most amicus briefs; and (2) how many amicus briefs on average per case were filed attacking the decision and supporting it?
Between 2010 and 2020, more amicus briefs were filed in tort cases than in any other area of law – 25 cases in all. Twenty-two cases involved government and administrative law. There were 12 civil procedure cases and 11 constitutional law cases. Nine cases involved domestic relations issues, five each were in workers comp and tax law cases, there were four cases involving employment law and three involving insurance law.
Fifty-six amicus briefs were filed in tort cases – 33 supporting appellants and 23 appellees. For appellant’s briefs, government and administrative law was right behind. Thirty-two amicus briefs supported appellants and only 15 supported appellees. In constitutional law, 30 amici supported appellants and 16 were for appellees. Twenty-two amicus briefs were filed in civil procedure cases – 10 supporting appellants and 12 for appellees. A dozen amicus briefs were filed in tax cases – 7 supporting appellants, 5 for appellees. Eleven briefs (each) were filed in workers comp and domestic relations cases. In workers comp, 7 briefs supported appellants and 4 for appellees. In domestic relations, 5 supported appellants and 6 for appellees. There were seven amicus briefs in cases involving employment law – four supporting appellants and three for respondents. Three amicus briefs were filed in cases involving insurance law – all three supported appellees.
Join us back here next time as we review the data for criminal cases.
Image courtesy of Flickr by David Wilson (no changes).