FMC Allows Amicus Briefs

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) issued an Order allowing non-parties to file amicus curiae briefs in an action involving Sea-Land Service, Inc. In doing so, the Commission has overruled past Commission case law addressing acceptance of amicus briefs. The Commission will retain authority to exercise its discretion to allow or deny filing of amicus briefs, but will more frequently allow filing of such briefs that are timely submitted, that set forth their interest in the proceeding, and that sufficiently explain why their participation as an amicus curiae would be desirable. Docket No. 98-0 Source: HK Law