lack of existence is irrelevant, and i have a doctorate in existential philosophy from the university of narnia online. (laughter) (cheering) and these are not isolated incidents, according to larsen. the number of amicus curiae briefs filed at the supreme court is at an all-time high. and from 2008 to 2013, the court's opinions cited factual assertions from amicus briefs 124 times. well, as a wise man once said, there's nothing wrong with quoting someone who doesn't know what they're talking about. (laughter) you know who said that? i did. (laughter) (cheering) but i say why limit the court to amicus briefs when there are so many sources for unverified facts? what about snapple caps? (laughter) your honor, alabama seeks a precedent in its ability to redraw congressional voting districts because... emus can't walk backwards. (laughter) clearly, amicus briefs are the greatest thing to happen to jurisprudence since the case of sliced v. bread. here to tell me why they're not is professor allison orr larsen. (applause) what is the problem with the am amicus briefs being filed with the court? >> th