Amicus Curiae: Origin, Worldwide Experience and Suggestions for East European Countries

Abstract

This article describes the meaning of amicus curiae according to modern legislation and doctrine, as well as its origin from Roman law and English law. One part of the article is devoted to the current legal position of international institutions regarding amicus curiae and its place in different legal systems worldwide. Furthermore, the last part of the article related to the analysis of the new amicus curiae concept in Ukraine legislation, combined with the new principles of judicial case management and cooperation of the judge and parties in civil procedure. The article concludes with some thoughts about the need and viability of its implementation in the civil law countries using examples of current reforms of Civil Procedure in Ukraine, and other states of Eastern Europe.