What Kinds Of Criminal Cases Draw Amicus Briefs (Part 2 – 2000-2009)?

Last time, we looked at the data for the years 2000 through 2009 on the civil side, looking at (1) which areas of law drew the most amicus briefs; and (2) were most of the briefs filed attacking or defending the Appellate Court decision. This time, we're looking at the data for criminal cases across the same years.

A grand total of six criminal cases drew one or more amicus briefs during these years. Half of them involved issues of constitutional law. One each involved criminal procedure, juvenile issues and violent crimes.

All of the constitutional law amici were defensive - supporting Appellate Court decisions and appellees. Criminal procedure and juvenile cases each produced one brief for the appellant, none for the appellee. The one amicus brief filed in a violent crimes case supported appellees.