Glossary card
Per curiam
Definition
A per curiam opinion is issued in the name of the Court rather than under a single justice's authorship.
Why it matters
Per curiam opinions can resolve cases quickly or collectively, and the authorship signal differs from a signed opinion.
In practice
The Court uses per curiam form for some merits dispositions, emergency matters, and summary reversals when no single justice signs as author.
Check the vote, separate writings, and procedural posture before inferring how broad the ruling is.
Common confusion
Per curiam does not automatically mean unanimous, minor, or nonprecedential. The effect depends on the opinion itself.
Live examples
- John Doe, Petitioner v. Dynamic Physical Therapy, LLC, et al.Docket 25-180Per curiam disposition
The Court unanimously reversed and remanded in a 9-0 per curiam decision. The case involved a Louisiana state statute and was decided without oral argument.
- Christopher Klein, Superintendent, Department of Detention Facilities for Anne Arundel County, et al., Petitioners v. Charles Brandon MartinDocket 25-51Per curiam disposition
The Court reversed and remanded in an 8-1 per curiam decision. The case was decided without oral argument.