A court decision is a ruling that settles a case and is one of the most important sources of law. It is shaped by legal reasoning and principles in what is known as case law and can only be overruled by a higher level of court or legislative enactment.
The Supreme Court’s decisions are the most important of all court decisions because it has final say in interpreting laws and making sure that they comply with the Constitution. Keeping up with these rulings helps you understand your rights and what to expect when you are in the justice system.
Decisions are often broken down into multiple parts and can be very lengthy. The most important part of a decision is the majority and sometimes concurring and dissenting opinions. Each of these opinions has different legal reasons for why the court came to its conclusion and can be influential in future cases.
When more than half of the Justices agree on the reasoning used in a decision, it is considered a “plurality” opinion and has greater weight. Sometimes the main argument in a decision is based on just a few reasons that a number of Justices agree upon, in which case it is called a “majority” opinion.
The decision is entered into the record once it has been signed by a judge and filed with the clerk. It is then available for anyone who needs to know it. Keeping up with these decisions and knowing what they mean for you can make all the difference in a legal dispute.