Per Curiam
Literal meaning: “By the court.”
What does the Latin term "Per Curiam" mean in law?
A per curiam opinion is a decision issued by an appellate court as a whole, rather than authored by a named individual judge. Per curiam opinions are often used for decisions the court considers relatively straightforward or where the panel wishes to speak with a unified institutional voice. However, some landmark decisions have also been issued per curiam. A per curiam opinion carries the same precedential weight as a signed opinion, though it may sometimes signal that the court views the legal question as settled or non-controversial.
Source: Procedure · Legal Latin
Legal Definition
A per curiam opinion is a decision issued by an appellate court as a whole, rather than authored by a named individual judge. Per curiam opinions are often used for decisions the court considers relatively straightforward or where the panel wishes to speak with a unified institutional voice. However, some landmark decisions have also been issued per curiam. A per curiam opinion carries the same precedential weight as a signed opinion, though it may sometimes signal that the court views the legal question as settled or non-controversial.
How It's Used
Per curiam is used to describe unsigned judicial opinions. It is encountered in case citations and appellate practice. Law students should note that per curiam decisions can range from brief, summary dispositions to full-length opinions addressing significant legal questions.
Example Sentences
The Supreme Court issued a per curiam opinion reversing the lower court without full briefing or oral argument.
Bush v. Gore was decided in a per curiam opinion, though several justices filed separate concurrences and dissents.
The court disposed of the appeal in a brief per curiam order, finding the issue controlled by binding precedent.