Types of opinions rendered by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court may render one of six types of opinions: 3. Per curiam Opinions Occasionally the Supreme Court hears a case, but a majority of the Justices agree that the case can be disposed of easily. The Justices who are in the majority will issue a brief opinion giving their reason for decision. This brief opinion is called a "per curiam" opinion. "Per curiam," literally translated from the Latin, means "by the Court." The per curiam opinion is a device the Court uses to avoid writing long, complex opinions when they are unnecessary. Most per curiam opinions are signed by a unanimous Court. CONCLUSION: Now that you understand how the Court makes its decisions and writes opinions, you will be better prepared to study the decision of the Supreme Court in New York Times v. Sullivan. Back to Class

	E-mail the professor Tony Parker at parker@jan.ucc.nau.edu, or call (520)523-2508

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