"Amici curiae" means "friend of the court."  Rules of appellate procedure typically afford an opportunity, with the court's advance permission, for persons or entities other than the parties to the litigation having an interest in the outcome of the litigation to submit briefs advocating a position.  Typically, a court permits the submission of such briefs in cases presenting issues of significant economic, social, or political impact.

     Here the court permitted the California Motor Car Dealer's Association, Times Mirror Co., and California Newspaper Publisher's Association to submit amicus curiae briefs.  It should be obvious why they took such an interest in the case.