In a substantial number of criminal appeals, some state appellate courts routinely issue decisions merely stating “Judgment Affirmed.” When an appellate court rejects a defendant’s issues on appeal, should it be required to issue an opinion justifying its decision? In discussing this issue, consider whether such a requirement would

(a) require greatly increasing the number of judges and support staff and the additional costs thereof and

(b) detract from the court’s ability to direct its efforts to writing opinions on novel questions of law.