Procedural posture describes the current stage of a case, including the sequence of decisions and filings that brought it to that point.
Why posture matters
Before evaluating legal arguments, readers should know whether the court is deciding merits issues, jurisdictional issues, or procedural barriers.
Example posture cues
- "affirmed on procedural grounds"
- "did not reach the merits"
- "remanded for further proceedings"
Posture helps readers interpret what options and arguments are available next.