What is a legal opinion?
Q: What is a legal opinion?
A: A legal opinion is a written explanation by a judge or group of judges that accompanies an order or ruling in a case.
Q: Who else can write a legal opinion?
A: Legal experts can also write a legal opinion.
Q: What is the purpose of a legal opinion?
A: The purpose of a legal opinion is to lay out the rationale and legal principles for the ruling.
Q: Who publishes legal opinions?
A: Opinions are usually published at the direction of the court.
Q: Why are legal opinions published?
A: Legal opinions may be used to reinforce, explain, change, establish, or overturn legal precedent.
Q: Where are published opinions of courts found?
A: Published opinions of courts are found in law reports or case reports, which are collectively referred to as case law.
Q: What is the significance of case law in common law legal systems?
A: Case law is one of the major sources of law in common law legal systems.