Federal Circuit Opinions Surge as Virus Worries Cancel Arguments

The Federal Circuit’s record oral argument cancellation caused by the coronavirus has an upside for lawyers who complain the court doesn’t issue enough opinions.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit always writes an opinion to explain its reasoning when it doesn’t hear oral argument in a case, according to internal practice. So after the court canceled half the arguments scheduled for April, opinions skyrocketed—as many as 11 in one day, up from the usual maximum of four or five, totaling 37 for the week of April 6 alone.

Having an opinion instead of an order without explanation ...