Determinants of the Number of Amicus Briefs Filed before the Court.

The consistent increase in the amount of amicus curiae briefs submitted by interest groups is a result of an unwillingness by the Supreme Court to limit their presence. Each successive term has led to greater involvement by third parties in cases before the Court. As interest groups have become increasingly involved in judicial decision making, so has scholarly attention to the judicial strategies of organized groups. Because resources are finite, interest groups must selectively choose which cases will allow for the greatest policy impact. Using data from 1953-2001, we examine what case specific factors lead to a change in the number of briefs filed. Among other things, our findings demonstrate that the quantity of amicus curiae briefs filed is influenced by the perception that a case is relevant, or highly salient to the interest group and the public. We demonstrate that interest groups are responsive to cues from the Supreme Court indicating a need for more information. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]