Amicus curiae: An instrument of citizen collaboration in the common task of “strengthening justice”

Abstract

Forty years after the return of the democracy, in the arduous path of reception and consolidation of human rights, the procedural figure of the amicus curiae or friend of the court is presented with solid jurisprudential and regulatory developments that show the importance of the citizen participation in the transparent administration of justice. In the province of Buenos Aires, Law No. 14.736 enacted in 2015 offers as a legal basis the contribution of people with recognized competence on the matter debated in the lawsuit in all judicial processes in which issues of collective importance or general interest are debated. Strengthening this figure with its exercise, with technical efficiency, respect and responsibility is “strengthening justice”, as established in the Preamble of our national and provincial Constitution.