Definition

Noun: A formal written statement by a judge or court explaining the legal reasoning and principles behind a judicial decision. It outlines the application of law to the facts of a specific case.

Usage

A "legal opinion" is the official, authoritative document issued by a court. It is the primary means by which judges communicate their decisions and the rationale for them. This document becomes part of the legal record and can be cited as precedent in future cases.

Examples

• The Supreme Court issued a legal opinion that clarified the constitutional limits of free speech.
• Lawyers studied the judge's legal opinion to understand the interpretation of the new statute.
• The dissenting legal opinion argued for a different application of the law.

Advanced Usage

• Majority opinion: The legal opinion agreed upon by more than half of the judges in a multi-judge court, which represents the court's official decision and reasoning.
• Dissenting opinion: A legal opinion written by a judge who disagrees with the majority's conclusion, explaining the reasons for the disagreement.
• Concurring opinion: A legal opinion written by a judge who agrees with the majority's final decision but for different legal reasons or to emphasize a particular point.

Variants and Related Words

• Opinion (noun): In a legal context, this is often used synonymously with "legal opinion." (e.g., The court's was published today.)
• Judgment (noun): The final ruling or decision of the court (e.g., The was in favor of the plaintiff). A legal opinion explains the reasoning leading to the judgment.
• Ruling (noun): A broader term for a court's decision or order. A legal opinion often contains the court's ruling and its justification.

Synonyms

• Judicial opinion
• Court opinion
• Decision (in the sense of the written reasoning)

Related Phrases

• To deliver an opinion: The act of a judge or court formally issuing a legal opinion.
  • The court is expected to deliver its opinion next week.
• To cite an opinion: To refer to a previous legal opinion as authority in a new legal argument.
  • The attorney cited a 1992 Supreme Court opinion to support her case.

Noun

1. the legal document stating the reasons for a judicial decision
   • opinions are usually written by a single judge