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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Per curiam does not automatically mean unanimous, minor, or nonprecedential.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.

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