What characterizes a per curiam opinion?

A per curiam opinion is characterized by the fact that it does not indicate which judge or judges authored the opinion. This type of opinion is typically issued by the court as a whole, rather than being attributed to a specific justice, which can help to convey that the decision is a collective viewpoint of the court rather than of an individual. This format is often used in cases that are deemed to be relatively straightforward or where the issues at hand do not require a detailed exposition of legal reasoning.

In contrast, options that include dissenting views or show individual authorship are not consistent with the nature of a per curiam opinion, as such opinions reflect a unified stance rather than highlighting individual judges’ perspectives. Additionally, while a per curiam opinion may support the majority view, it is not limited to just that form of opinion, especially since the major defining factor is the lack of individual attribution. Understanding the essence of a per curiam opinion allows for a clearer comprehension of judicial communications and the intention behind them in the legal system.