RULE 9.315. SUMMARY DISPOSITION

(a) Summary Affirmance. After service of the initial brief in
appeals under rule 9.110, 9.130, or 9.140, or after service of the
answer brief if a cross-appeal has been filed, the court may
summarily affirm the order to be reviewed if the court finds that no
preliminary basis for reversal has been demonstrated.

(b) Summary Reversal. After service of the answer brief in
appeals under rule 9.110, 9.130, or 9.140, or after service of the
reply brief if a cross-appeal has been filed, the court may summarily
reverse the order to be reviewed if the court finds that no
meritorious basis exists for affirmance and the order otherwise is
subject to reversal.

(c) Motions Not Permitted. This rule may be invoked only
on the court’s own motion. A party may not request summary
disposition.

Court Commentary

1987. This rule contemplates a screening process by the
appellate courts. More time will be spent early in the case to save
more time later. The rule is fair in that appellant has an
opportunity to file a full brief. The thought behind this proposal is
to allow expeditious disposition of nonmeritorious appeals or
obviously meritorious appeals.