Per curiam meaning

In practice, per curiam describes a statement or judgment delivered in the court’s name that reflects the agreed view of a multi‑judge panel, rather than the opinion of a single judge. It commonly arises in appellate courts and divisional courts where one judge delivers the “judgment of the court” on behalf of all. Per curiam is a descriptive Latin expression, not defined by statute, and is used consistently across England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland. It contrasts with individual concurring or dissenting judgments. In UK and Irish law reports, Per curiam is also used in headnotes to introduce a general proposition stated by the court. Practitioners should verify whether the per curiam statement forms part of the judgment’s reasoning (ratio decidendi) or is an observation (obiter dicta), as this affects its precedential weight. Practical significance: a per curiam judgment or statement signals collective authority; it may carry particular weight on procedural guidance or where the court speaks institutionally, even if read out by a single judge.