Legal Definitions - advisory opinion

An advisory opinion is a legal opinion given by a court that is not binding. It is the court's interpretation of the law based on a legal question submitted by a government official, legislature, or another court. People seek advisory opinions to understand their chances of winning a potential lawsuit before going through the expensive process of litigation.

For example, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court issued an advisory opinion regarding civil unions. This opinion helped people understand the legal implications of civil unions in Massachusetts.

It is important to note that federal courts cannot issue advisory opinions because of the Constitution's case-or-controversy requirement. However, state courts can issue advisory opinions as long as their state constitutions allow it.