Memorandum opinion

In law, a memorandum opinion is usually an unpublished legal opinion that cannot be cited as precedent.[1] It is formally defined as: "[1] unanimous appellate opinion that succinctly states the decision of the court; an opinion that briefly reports the court's conclusion, usu. without elaboration because the decision follows a well-established legal principle or does not relate to any point of law." [2] There is no elaboration or explanation because the decision either follows a well-known legal principle or it does not relate to a point of law.[1] A memorandum opinion is also not subject to appeal.[1]

Legal and judicial opinions

Judicial opinions & aggregates for official decisions (O.S-Federal)

Majority opinion
Dissenting opinion
Plurality opinion
Concurring opinion
Memorandum opinion
Per curiam opinion
Seriatim opinion

Generally, memorandum opinions follow ordinary rules, including the application of precedent and the rule of stare decisis.[3]

References

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  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Memorandum Opinion Law & Legal Definition". Retrieved 15 March 2016.
  2. Black's Law Dictionary, 1201 (9th ed. 2009).
  3. Erica S. Weisgerber, 'Unpublished Opinions: A Convenient Means to an Unconstitutional End', Georgetown Law Journal, Volume 97, Number 2 (January 2009), p. 633