Brief of an Amicus Curiae

(a) During Initial Consideration of a Case on the Merits. (1) Applicability. This Rule 29(a) governs amicus filings dur- ing a court’s initial consideration of a case on the merits. (2) When Permitted. The United States or its officer or agen- cy or a state may file an amicus brief without the consent of the parties or leave of court. Any other amicus curiae may file a brief only by leave of court or if the brief states that all par- ties have consented to its filing, but a court of appeals may prohibit the filing of or may strike an amicus brief that would result in a judge’s disqualification. (3) Motion for Leave to File. The motion must be accom- panied by the proposed brief and state: (A) the movant’s interest; and (B) the reason why an amicus brief is desirable and why the matters asserted are relevant to the disposition of the case. 35 FEDERAL RULES OF APPELLATE PROCEDURE Rule 29 (4) Contents and Form. An amicus brief must comply with