per curiam

Definition

An opinion issued by an appellate court as a whole rather than attributed to a specific judge, Latin for 'by the court.' It's how judicial panels achieve consensus by having no one take credit or blame.

Example Usage

The Supreme Court issued a brief per curiam opinion reversing the lower court without hearing oral arguments.

Origin

Latin meaning 'by the court'

Fun Fact

Per curiam opinions are often shorter and less detailed than signed opinions, leading cynics to suspect they're rushed jobs no judge wanted to sign.

Source: Appellate court procedures and judicial opinions

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