obiter dictum (redirected from obiter dicta)

o·bi·ter dictum  (b-tr)

n. pl. obiter dicta

1. Law An opinion voiced by a judge that has only incidental bearing on the case in question and is therefore not binding. Also called dictum.

2. An incidental remark or observation; a passing comment.

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[Latin, something said in passing : obiter, in passing + dictum, something said, from neuter past participle of dcere, to say.]

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obiter dictum [ˈɒbɪtə ˈdɪktəm ˈəʊ-]

n pl obiter dicta [ˈdɪktə]

1. (Law) Law an observation by a judge on some point of law not directly in issue in the case before him and thus neither requiring his decision nor serving as a precedent, but nevertheless of persuasive authority

2. any comment, remark, or observation made in passing

[Latin: something said in passing]

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	obiter dictum - an incidental remark passing comment comment, remark, input - a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information; "from time to time she contributed a personal comment on his account"
	2.	obiter dictum - an opinion voiced by a judge on a point of law not directly bearing on the case in question and therefore not binding dictum judgement, legal opinion, opinion, judgment - the legal document stating the reasons for a judicial decision; "opinions are usually written by a single judge" law, jurisprudence - the collection of rules imposed by authority; "civilization presupposes respect for the law"; "the great problem for jurisprudence to allow freedom while enforcing order"