This phrase denotes a situation in appellate law where a lower court’s decision is upheld by a higher court without a written explanation justifying the affirmation. The reference “ala. r. app. p. 53” likely points to a specific case recorded on page 53 of the Alabama Rules of Appellate Procedure. To “affirm without opinion” means the appellate court agrees with the lower court’s judgment, but does not provide its reasoning.
The procedure described is significant because it establishes the lower court’s ruling as valid, but it does not create binding legal authority beyond the immediate parties. The lack of a published opinion means that the decision cannot be cited as precedent in future cases. Historically, this practice is employed when the appellate court deems the lower court’s decision to be clearly correct based on existing law and does not require further elaboration or clarification. This may reflect judicial efficiency and prioritization of cases with novel legal issues.