Minority Opinion Law and Legal Definition
A minority opinion is an opinion by one or more judges in a legal case who disagree with the decision reached by the majority. A minority opinion is also termed dissenting opinion or dissent.
A dissenting opinion does not create binding precedent or become part of case law. However, they are sometimes cited as persuasive authority when arguing that the court's holding should be limited or overturned.
The dissenting opinion may disagree with the majority for various reasons such as: a different interpretation of the case law, use of different principles, or a different interpretation of the facts. Dissents are written at the same time as the majority opinion, and are sometimes used to dispute the reasoning used by the majority.
Legal Definition list
- Minority Interests in Consolidated Subsidiaries
- Minority Institution
- Minority Group [Education]
- Minority Friendly Shareholders Agreement
- Minority Enterprise Small Business Investment Companies
- Minority Opinion
- Minority Owned Businesses
- Minority Shareholder
- Minority Student [Education]
- Minors Emancipation
- Minors Foster Care
