I.O.P. 4.2: Opinion Assignment
Local Appellate Rules and Internal Operating Procedures of the Third Circuit — I.O.P. Chapter 4. Panel Conference Procedure
Following discussion and tentative votes, the presiding judge assigns those cases in which opinions of the court are to be drafted to the judges of the panel for preparation of the opinion of the court. If the panel is divided in its views and the presiding judge does not concur in the decision of the majority, the assignment is made by that member of the majority who is the ranking judge of this court.