INTERVENERS AND AMICI CURIAE IN THE HIGH
 COURT

An individual or organisation who wants to become involved in a proceeding has two options. The first is to become an ‘intervener’ which results in that individual or organisation being joined as a party to the proceedings. The status of intervener brings with it the same rights and obligations as the other parties to the action, including the ability to ‘appeal, tender evidence and participate fully with all aspects of the argument’. This includes the right to examine and cross-examine witnesses.

The second way in which an outsider can become involved in proceedings is as ‘amicus curiae’ or a ‘friend of the court’.  In simple terms an amicus curiae will be allowed to appear if that individual or organisation would assist the court to be properly informed of material relevant to reaching its decision.