Headnote
/ˈhɛdnoʊt/
Definitions
- (n.) A brief summary of a point of law made by a court in a judicial opinion, published prior to the text of the opinion itself.
The headnote clarified the legal principle applied in the decision.
Forms
- headnotes
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Headnotes are prepared by editors or reporters and are not part of the official opinion, so they cannot be cited as legal authority.
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.