I have always been fascinated by the behind-the-scenes policy decisions that go into the preparation and filing of an amicus curiae brief. The American Bar Association’s Intellectual Property Section offers a peek behind the curtain in this months’ Landslide magazine. It’s an interesting look at how the sausage is made when the ABA is aiming to be a friend of the court.
Back in October, I pointed out that Columbus Day is not a holiday in Florida state courts. A pro se appellant has learned the hard way that neither was President’s Day. See Harold v. State, 110 So. 3d 451 (Fla. 2d DCA March 27, 2013). Luckily for the appellant, it is a criminal case and he has the opportunity to apply for a belated appeal pursuant to Fla. R. App. P. 9.141(c). But a civil litigant would be out of luck, so be sure to analyze those deadlines carefully!