A proposed federal appellate procedure rule change that would require court approval for filing amicus briefs is facing opposition from lawyers and legal groups, citing concerns that it would overwhelm judges and chill amicus filings.

Currently, nongovernmental amici can submit a brief either with permission from both parties or the court. The change would eliminate the party consent option and also require that briefs bring “relevant matters not already mentioned by the parties” to the court’s attention and disfavor briefs that are redundant.