Opinion

The reason given for a court's judgment, finding or conclusion, asopposed to the decision, which is the judgment itself. When the court iscomposed of more than one judge or justice, and more than one opinion has beenwritten in a given case, the opinion that expresses the view of the majority ofthe judges presiding, and thus announces the decision of the court, is referredto as the majority opinion. A concurring opinion is a view basically in accordwith the majority opinion, but written to express a somewhat differentperception of the issues, to illuminate a particular judge's reasoning or toexpound a principle which he or she holds in high esteem. An opinion thatconcurs "in the result only" is one that rejects the reasoning and conclusionsconcerning the law or the facts on the basis of which the majority reached itsdecision, and that expresses a different view that has coincidentally led thejudge or justice to recommend the same disposition as was agreed upon by themajority. A dissenting opinion is a view that disagrees with the dispositionmade of the case by the court with the facts or law on the basis of which thecourt arrived at its decision, or the principles of law announced by the courtin deciding the case. Opinions may also be written that express a dissent "inpart."