The written opinion in a Supreme Court case is significant because it explains the reasoning behind the Court's decision. It sets a precedent for future cases and helps to clarify the law. Additionally, it provides transparency and accountability for the Court's decision-making process.
The written explanation for the US Supreme Court's decision is called an opinion.See Related Questions for an expanded explanation.
The opinion is the Supreme Court's decision on a case, usually accompanied by a written explanation that includes the reasoning and legal precedents used.
Majority opinion
majority opinion
The agreed ruling of more than half of the Supreme Court justices is called a majority decision; the written document is called a majority opinion or the "opinion of the Court."
dissenting opinion
Dissent
The majority decision in a case before the Supreme Court is called the "opinion of the Court." The opinion is preceded by a Syllabus that summarizes the case and opinion; the full opinion elaborates on the Court's reasoning and case law cited as precedents.For more information on US Supreme Court opinions, see Related Questions, below.
In the Supreme Court, the written decision and legal reasoning for a case is called an Opinion.
concurring opinion
Supreme Court of the United States
When a Supreme Court "dissents" it is disagreeing with the majority opinion.