Dictum
/ˈdɪktəm/
Definitions
- (n.) A judicial remark or observation made by a judge that is not essential to the decision and not legally binding as precedent.
The judge's dictum on the defendant's character did not affect the ruling.
- (n.) A formal or authoritative statement or pronouncement.
The CEO issued a dictum on company policy changes.
Forms
- dicta
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Dicta are often persuasive but not binding; distinguishing them from holdings is critical in legal reasoning.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.