RatioDecidendi

Ratio Decidendi

Definition

The legal principle or reasoning that is essential to a court’s decision in a case, forming the binding part of a legal precedent.

Key Points

• Forms the legal basis for the decision.
• Is what future courts must follow under the principle of stare decisis.
• Separates from obiter dicta, which are non-binding comments.
• Determines the scope of the precedent for future cases.

Importance

• Ensures consistency in law application.
• Guides lower courts on how to handle similar issues.
• Provides clarity on legal principles for legal practitioners and scholars.

Example

Case: Donoghue v. Stevenson (1932)

Ratio Decidendi: Manufacturers owe a duty of care to the end consumer to ensure their products are safe, establishing the modern tort of negligence.

Contrast with Obiter Dicta

While ratio decidendi is binding, obiter dicta, or remarks made by a judge that are not necessary for the decision, do not bind future courts but can be considered persuasive.