Q. 1. What is the meaning of the Latin phrase "Amicus Curiae" in the Catholic Church. It is my understanding that it has a different meaning than the one used by the courts regarding minors.

A. 1. The Latin phrase "Amicus Curiae" means "friend of the Court." In the Catholic Church, this represents an adviser or a person who can obtain or grant access to the favour of a powerful group such as the roman Curia.

In Canada and the United States, in legal usage, the amicus curiae is a third party appointed by the Court to submit a legal opinion. The amicus usually represents a minor. In Canada, the Court frequently appoints an amicus to represent a child in cases of Divorce.