I.O.P. 34.2: Disposition Without Oral Argument
Local Rules and Internal Operating Procedures of the Fourth Circuit — Title VII. General Provisions
A decision against oral argument must be unanimous, and if a case is decided without oral argument the decision on the merits generally will be unanimous also. Whenever at least one member of the review panel determines that oral argument would be of assistance, the panel notifies the clerk who places the case on the oral argument calendar.