Legal Definitions - slip opinion

Definition: A written statement explaining a court's decision in a case, including the facts, points of law, rationale, and dicta. It is usually abbreviated as "op." and is also known as a judicial opinion. Slip opinions are published individually after being rendered and then collectively in advance sheets before being released for publication in a reporter. Unlike an unpublished opinion, a slip opinion can usually be cited as authority.

Example: A slip opinion is a court's written statement explaining its decision in a given case. It includes the facts, points of law, rationale, and dicta. For example, if a court decides a case involving a dispute over a contract, it will issue a slip opinion explaining its decision and the legal reasoning behind it. This slip opinion can be cited as authority in future cases.

Explanation: Slip opinions are important because they provide a written record of a court's decision and the legal reasoning behind it. They are published individually after being rendered and then collectively in advance sheets before being released for publication in a reporter. Unlike an unpublished opinion, a slip opinion can usually be cited as authority. This means that lawyers and judges can use the slip opinion to support their arguments in future cases.