Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A Latin phrase directing an action or submission to the court.
Sources & Authorities· 31 primary sources
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
Cases
Statutes
Federal Rules
How it applies
Common Examples
6
Discovery Privilege Claim Notification
Alliance Holdings produced documents in discovery that included privileged materials. Upon realizing the error, counsel notified the opposing party of the claim and directed return of the materials to the court for resolution under the applicable rule.
Expert Testimony Qualification
Anika Anand offered expert analysis on network capacity. Her counsel submitted her qualifications and methodology to the court to demonstrate that the specialized knowledge would assist the trier of fact.
Venue Fallback Application
Aaron Adams sued two defendants with no common residence and no substantial events in any district. Counsel filed the action in a district where personal jurisdiction existed over one defendant, invoking the statutory fallback.
Alfred Ashford sought to modify a prior custody order. He presented new facts to the court showing changed circumstances and that modification served the child's best interests under the uniform act standard.
Negligence Causation Analysis
Anthony Arnold's negligent act led to harm. The court examined whether the connection appeared highly extraordinary after the fact and held the conduct was not a legal cause.
Criminal Case Transfer Request
Antonio Alvarado wished to plead guilty in the district of arrest. He filed a written statement with the court in the transferee district consenting to disposition there after obtaining required approvals.
Common questions
Frequently Asked
4
What does ad curiam literally direct in legal filings?+
It directs the action or submission straight to the court for its consideration or resolution.
Supporting sources
How does ad curiam appear in discovery disputes?+
A party notifies the court under seal when claiming privilege over inadvertently produced information and seeks a determination.
Supporting sources
Does ad curiam require formal presentation in venue cases?+
Yes. When no other venue basis exists, the plaintiff must show the chosen district has personal jurisdiction over a defendant and file there.
Supporting sources
In custody modification, what must be shown ad curiam?+
New or previously unknown facts establishing changed circumstances and that modification serves the child's best interests.
Supporting sources
576 U.S. 644 (2015)Legislation and Regulation
…strictures, a claim to liberty must be addressed. The petitioners’ stories make clear the urgency of the issue they present to the Court, which has a duty to address these claims and answer these questions. Were the Court to uphold the challenged laws as constitutional, it would teach that the laws are in accord with…