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obiter dictum

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Word: Obiter Dictum

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: "Obiter dictum" is a Latin phrase that means "a remark made in passing." In legal terms, it refers to comments or opinions made by a judge that are not essential to the decision of the case. These comments do not have to be followed in future cases, as they are not legally binding.

Usage Instructions:
  • Use "obiter dictum" when discussing legal opinions or judgments.
  • It is often used in academic or formal contexts, especially in law.
Example:
  • In the court's ruling, the judge included an obiter dictum about the importance of considering the defendant's mental health, even though it was not crucial to the final decision.
Advanced Usage:
  • Legal scholars and practitioners often analyze obiter dicta to understand the judge's perspective on certain legal principles, which may influence future cases or legal interpretations.
Word Variants:
  • The plural form is "obiter dicta."
  • You might encounter it in discussions about legal precedents or case law.
Different Meanings:
  • Outside of legal contexts, "obiter dictum" can refer to any incidental remark or comment that is not central to the main topic of discussion.
Synonyms:
  • Incidental remark
  • Passing comment
  • Side note
Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While "obiter dictum" itself does not have direct idioms or phrasal verbs, you might encounter phrases like: - "In passing" - referring to something mentioned casually or without deep emphasis. - "To make a side comment" - to comment on something that is not the main focus of the discussion.

Summary:

"Obiter dictum" is a specialized term primarily used in legal contexts to describe remarks by judges that are not essential to the case at hand. It can also be applied more generally to any incidental remarks in conversation or writing.

Noun
  1. an opinion voiced by a judge on a point of law not directly bearing on the case in question and therefore not binding
  2. an incidental remark

Synonyms

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