Which statement about the majority opinion is most accurate?

Which statement about the majority opinion is most accurate?

• A. It is never binding authority.
• B. It is frequently unsigned.
• C. It is always written by multiple judges.
• D. It has the greatest precedential value and is usually written by one judge.

Answer: (D)

In appellate decisions, the majority opinion is the court’s binding ruling and the statement that carries the court’s precedent for future cases on the same issues. It has the greatest precedential value because it represents the court’s settled position and reasoning that other courts within the jurisdiction must follow when confronted with similar questions. The majority opinion is typically written by one judge who drafted the opinion and to whom the other majority judges sign on. This creates a clear, authoritative articulation of the ruling that stands as the controlling authority. While concurring or dissenting opinions may accompany the majority, they do not have the same binding effect as the majority’s decision.

In appellate decisions, the majority opinion is the court’s binding ruling and the statement that carries the court’s precedent for future cases on the same issues. It has the greatest precedential value because it represents the court’s settled position and reasoning that other courts within the jurisdiction must follow when confronted with similar questions.

The majority opinion is typically written by one judge who drafted the opinion and to whom the other majority judges sign on. This creates a clear, authoritative articulation of the ruling that stands as the controlling authority. While concurring or dissenting opinions may accompany the majority, they do not have the same binding effect as the majority’s decision.