Obiter Dicta
/ˈɒbɪtə ˈdɪktə/
Definitions
- (n. pl.) Remarks or observations made by a judge in a legal opinion that are not essential to the decision and therefore not legally binding precedent.
The judge's obiter dicta, while interesting, do not set a binding rule for future cases.
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Commentary
Obiter dicta are persuasive but not binding; drafters should distinguish these carefully from the ratio decidendi to understand precedent scope.
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.