What is a per curiam opinion?

A per curiam opinion is one that reflects the views or decision of the court as a whole, rather than being attributed to a specific judge or judges. This form of opinion is typically issued in cases where the issues are straightforward, or where consensus exists among the judges, allowing the court to present a united front.

In such opinions, the focus is on the legal principles and the decision at hand rather than on individual judges’ perspectives or reasoning. This can provide clarity and authority to the court's decision since it signifies a collective judgment.

In contrast, other options describe different judicial mechanisms or philosophies. For example, an opinion authored by a senior judge would not encompass a collective viewpoint, while an opinion that dissenting judges agree with would not be classified as per curiam since dissenters present a differing opinion from the majority. Lastly, an opinion kept private among judges does not serve the purpose of establishing legal precedents or informing the public and the parties involved. Therefore, the characterization of a per curiam opinion accurately represents the collective nature of judicial decisions made by a court.