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Abstract
The research presented in this dissertation analyzes interest group influence in the U.S. Courts of Appeals from 2003 through 2010. Specifically, it evaluates group influence via their participation as Amicus curiae. This dissertation examines Amicus activity as part of a three-stage process. The first stage is pre-merits influence. That is, when will groups participate as Amicus curiae and why do groups participate as amicus curiae? I find that groups behave strategically, participating in cases that maximize their goals and aid in organizational maintenance. The second stage is merits influence. That is, once a group has decided to participate as Amicus curiae, is the group effective at affecting judicial decision-making? I find that the quantity of the information presented to judges matters more than types of groups providing the information. The third and final stage is post-merits influence. That is, do groups receive benefits from Amicus participation in circuit courts cases after the court has rendered its decision? I find that Amicus activity in the Courts of Appeals increases the likelihood that the litigant petitions the Supreme Court for a writ of certiorari, providing an additional opportunity for a favorable legal outcome.