Legal Definitions - headnote

Definition: A headnote is a summary of the key legal points of a case that appears above the decision in a printed legal opinion. It is usually written by third-party publishers and is not a binding precedent.

Example: In a court case about a car accident, the headnote might summarize the key legal points, such as who was at fault and what damages were awarded. The headnote is meant to give readers a quick overview of the case without having to read the entire opinion.

Explanation: The example illustrates how a headnote provides a brief summary of the key legal points of a case. It is useful for readers who want to quickly understand the outcome of a case without having to read the entire opinion. However, it is important to note that the headnote is not a binding precedent and should not be relied upon as legal advice.