What does GVR mean in legal writing?

Answer 1

GVR stands for grant, vacate, and remand. The U.S. Supreme Court may issue GVR orders when deemed necessary.

More information:

GVR is legal shorthand for the series of actions listed above, but is not actually written on the Court's decision as such. GVRs are appropriate when a recent, or overlooked, matter of law should be (or have been) applied when rendering a decision.

G = Grant certiorari (accept an appeal for review)

V = Vacate (void the lower court's judgment)

R = Remand (send back to the lower court for reconsideration, with the reason or more specific instructions included)

A typical GVR order from the US Supreme Court reads as follows (emphasis mine):

"The petition for a writ of certiorari is granted. The judgment is vacated, and the case is remanded to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, Western District, for further consideration in light of Michigan v. Bryant, 562 U.S. ___ (2011)."