Legal Definitions - memorandum disposition

A memorandum disposition refers to a court's decision in a case that is typically brief, unpublished, and applies existing legal principles without establishing new legal precedent. Unlike a formal, published opinion, a memorandum disposition is generally not intended to be cited as authority in future cases. Courts use them to efficiently resolve routine cases or those where the legal issues are straightforward and well-settled, focusing on applying established law to the specific facts at hand.

Here are some examples:

• Example 1: Appellate Court Affirming a Routine Ruling

  A state court of appeals reviews a trial court's decision in a dispute over a minor property boundary. The appeals court finds that the trial judge correctly applied established property law principles to the evidence presented. Rather than writing a lengthy, published opinion that would be added to legal precedent, the appeals court issues a memorandum disposition. This disposition briefly explains that no legal error occurred and affirms the trial court's judgment, effectively concluding the appeal without creating new law for future cases.

• Example 2: Federal Court Dismissing a Case on Procedural Grounds

  A federal district court is presented with a lawsuit where the plaintiff filed their claim long after the legally mandated deadline (known as the statute of limitations) had passed. The legal rule regarding statutes of limitations is clear and well-established. The judge issues a memorandum disposition explaining why the case must be dismissed due to the untimely filing. This decision resolves the specific case by applying existing procedural law, but it doesn't introduce any new interpretations of the law that other courts would be expected to follow.

• Example 3: Administrative Review Board Upholding an Agency Decision

  An individual appeals a government agency's decision to deny a specific type of professional license, arguing the agency made a mistake. An administrative review board examines the appeal and concludes that the agency correctly followed its own regulations and applied the relevant criteria to the applicant's situation. The board then issues a memorandum disposition upholding the agency's denial. This disposition provides a clear resolution for the applicant but does not set a new policy or legal standard that would bind the agency or other applicants in the future beyond the specific facts of this case.