Are headnotes binding on the court?

Are headnotes binding on the court?

• A. Yes.
• B. They are binding for the district, not appellate.
• C. No.
• D. Only if the court approves.

Answer: (C)

Headnotes are not binding on the court. They are editorials prepared by the reporter to help readers quickly locate and understand the court’s discussion of issues, holdings, and principles within an opinion. They do not form part of the court’s decision and do not carry legal authority. The binding source is the actual text of the court’s opinion (and any applicable statutes or rules). If a headnote suggests something different from the opinion itself, the opinion controls. Headnotes can be handy for quick reference, but they aren’t binding on any court.

Headnotes are not binding on the court. They are editorials prepared by the reporter to help readers quickly locate and understand the court’s discussion of issues, holdings, and principles within an opinion. They do not form part of the court’s decision and do not carry legal authority. The binding source is the actual text of the court’s opinion (and any applicable statutes or rules). If a headnote suggests something different from the opinion itself, the opinion controls. Headnotes can be handy for quick reference, but they aren’t binding on any court.