Legal Definitions - main opinion

Definition: A written statement by a court explaining its decision in a case, including the facts, points of law, rationale, and dicta. It is also known as a majority opinion when more than half of the judges agree on the decision.

Example: In a case where a person is accused of a crime, the main opinion would be the written statement by the court explaining whether the person is guilty or not guilty and the reasons for the decision.

Explanation: The main opinion is the most important opinion in a case because it represents the decision of the majority of the judges. It provides the legal reasoning behind the decision and sets a precedent for future cases. In the example given, the main opinion would be the written statement by the court explaining whether the person is guilty or not guilty and the reasons for the decision. This opinion would be the most important because it represents the decision of the majority of the judges and sets a precedent for future cases.