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opinion legal definition
noun
The court’s statement of its decision, usually written
by a single judge, citing the facts, points of law, rationale, and decision or
verdict. See also decision, judgment and verdict.
concurring opinion
In appellate cases, a joining in by one or more judges to the
principal opinion in the case, but for differing reasons or basis.
dissenting opinion
An opinion written by one or more judges that disagrees with
the one reached by the majority of the court.
majority opinion
The opinion reached by the majority of the court; usually known
simply as the opinion.
per curiam opinion
(Latin.)
By the court; an opinion reached by an appeals court and handed down without
identifying its writer by name.
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