Per Curiam

Per Curiam is a legal term that refers to a ruling issued by an appellate court that carries the weight of the court as a whole, rather than being attributed to a specific judge. This type of opinion is often brief and addresses straightforward issues without extensive discussion.

The term 'per curiam' has its origins in medieval Latin, meaning 'by the court'. It was traditionally used to represent decisions where the court acted collectively rather than attributing the opinion to a specific author.

In modern law, per curiam opinions are commonly used in appellate court rulings, especially in cases where the issues are well-settled and do not require a full opinion. They are often seen in cases involving affirmations of lower court rulings or procedural matters.

• A per curiam decision from the Supreme Court affirming a lower court ruling without detailed legal analysis.
• A per curiam ruling in a state appellate court which resolves a minor procedural issue swiftly.

• Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113 (1973) - initially a per curiam decision regarding abortion rights.