Glossary
Per curiam
A per curiam opinion is issued in the name of the Court rather than under a single justice's authorship.
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.
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Per curiam does not automatically mean unanimous, minor, or nonprecedential.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.
- H.K. V. v. Fla. Dep't of Children & FamiliesDocket 19-7739Per curiam disposition
This case involves a petition for a writ of certiorari to the Supreme Court of Florida regarding a dispute with the Florida Department of Children and Families.