• Law
College

When the Supreme Court rules on a case, how many opinions might be written to explain the verdict?

A. One: the majority opinion

B. Two: the majority opinion and the dissent

C. Nine: all justices can write an opinion, but only the majority opinion can be used in future cases

D. Nine: all justices can write opinions that can be cited in future cases, but only majority opinions are considered law

Answer :

Final answer:

The Supreme Court can produce multiple opinions for a ruling, including a majority opinion, dissenting opinions, and concurring opinions. The majority opinion dictates the law, while the dissenting and concurring opinions offer additional perspectives. However, only the majority opinion is considered binding precedent for future cases.


Explanation:

Understanding Supreme Court Opinions


When the Supreme Court rules on a case, there can be multiple opinions written to explain the verdict:



  1. Majority Opinion: This is the opinion that reflects the views of the majority of the justices (at least five out of nine). It outlines the reasoning behind the decision and serves as binding precedent for future cases.

  2. Dissenting Opinion: Justices who disagree with the majority often write dissenting opinions. These opinions articulate the reasons for disagreement and can play a significant role in legal discussions and future cases.

  3. Concurring Opinion: Justices who agree with the majority decision but have different reasons may write concurring opinions. This allows them to clarify their views on certain aspects of the case.


In total, all nine justices can write opinions, but among them, only the majority opinion is considered binding precedent. Dissenting and concurring opinions can influence future legal interpretations, but they do not hold the same legal weight as the majority opinion.


Learn more about Supreme Court Opinions here:

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