Pöördumine

Dear Sir/Madam,

The Supreme Court of Latvia, in particular, the Department of Civil Cases, is currently considering adding an amicus curiae mechanism in civil cases.

From the research perspective, it is important to understand how effective the amicus curiae mechanism is concerning the effectiveness in your court, when such a mechanism is used, and how it works procedurally. Furthermore, it is important to understand if it is a helpful tool that is used extensively in your court and if you have identified any disadvantages based on your practice.

Therefore, can I please ask you to answer the following questions?

1. Do you use an amicus curiae mechanism in your court, and if you do, how often and what is your procedure to use such a mechanism?
2. If you use an amicus curiae mechanism, what advantages and disadvantages have you identified regarding your use of this mechanism?
3. if you use an amicus curiae mechanism, according to what criteria does the court decide that a particular person will be amicus?
4. if you use an amicus curiae mechanism, is there any code, law, or regulation in your country relating to this mechanism?

Kind regards,

Viktorija Soņeca

Senāta Civillietu departamenta padomniece

(Adviser to the Supreme Court of Latvia in civil cases)