I.O.P. 36.1: Opinion Preparation Assignments
Local Rules and Internal Operating Procedures of the Fourth Circuit — Title VII. General Provisions
The custom of the Fourth Circuit is to reserve judgment at the conclusion of oral argument. A conference of the panel is held promptly after oral argument, usually immediately after the presentation of the case. Although a tentative decision may be reached at this conference, additional conferences are sometimes necessary. Opinion assignments are made by the Chief Judge on the basis of recommendations from the presiding judge of each panel on which the Chief Judge did not sit.