Per curiam is a Latin term meaning "by the court." It refers to a decision made collectively by a court, without attributing the opinion to any specific judge. This type of ruling signifies that the opinion reflects the views of the entire court as a unified body. Typically, per curiam decisions are issued in cases that the court considers to be non-controversial or straightforward.
Per curiam decisions are commonly found in appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. These rulings often arise in civil and criminal cases where the issues at stake are not deeply contested. Because they do not identify an individual author, these decisions can help conserve judicial resources, especially in cases with heavy caseloads. Users may encounter per curiam opinions when researching case law or when utilizing legal forms related to appellate procedures.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A state appellate court issues a per curiam ruling affirming a lower court's decision in a straightforward civil case regarding contract enforcement.
Example 2: The U.S. Supreme Court issues a per curiam opinion affirming a lower court's ruling on a procedural matter without providing an extensive explanation. (hypothetical example)
Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):
| State | Per Curiam Usage |
|---|---|
| California | Commonly used in appellate rulings for non-controversial cases. |
| New York | Utilized in both civil and criminal appeals, often without detailed opinions. |
| Texas | Frequent in affirming lower court decisions, especially in routine matters. |
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Per curiam | A decision by the court as a whole, without a specific author. |
| Majority opinion | An opinion that reflects the views of the majority of justices, attributed to a specific justice. |
| Dissenting opinion | An opinion that disagrees with the majority, written by one or more justices. |
If you encounter a per curiam decision in your case, it's important to understand its implications. You may want to:
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It means "by the court" and refers to decisions made collectively by the court without attributing them to a specific judge.