From: William J. Brennan, Jr.
To: Thurgood Marshall, John Paul Stevens
Copied: Conference
On: May 13th, 1980
Action: May Join Memorandum Opinion (Author is not Assigned Justice)Memo stating that the justice agrees, but does not join, the memorandum opinion (or per curiam opinion) written by a justice who was not assigned the opinion (e.g., agree and will join if it becomes opinion; agree with suggested order). The identity of the justice whose opinion is endorsed is located in the JOINED variable.
Action: Suggestion to Memorandum Opinion (Author is not Assigned Justice)This includes memos with suggestions and specific or general reservations to a memorandum opinion (or per curiam) not written by assigned opinion author; memos expressing agreement with another justice’s suggestion to the memorandum opinion; statements that justice disagrees with a memorandum opinion. The identity of the memorandum opinion author who receives suggestion is located in the JOINED variable.
Action: Suggestion before Majority Opinion CirculatedJustice makes a suggestion or lays out position in the case before the majority opinion is circulated; discussion of issues before an opinion has been drafted; memo laying out other justice's position or describing how other justices’ have voted so far in the case; lays out position without directing it at a circulating opinion