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Law vocabulary · Judgments, Appeals & Remedies

Dissenting opinion

Meaning in law, with examples

nounAdvanced term

In law, dissenting opinion means: A written opinion by a judge who disagrees with the majority decision of a court, explaining why they would have decided the case differently.

In Turkish: karşı oy, muhalefet şerhi, karşı oy yazısı

How it is used

Common in appeal courts with several judges, such as supreme courts and the European Court of Human Rights. A judge 'writes' or 'delivers' a dissent. A 'concurring opinion' agrees with the result but gives different reasons. A dissent sometimes becomes the majority view years later.

Example sentences

  1. Two of the seven judges gave dissenting opinions.

  2. Her dissenting opinion is now quoted more often than the majority judgment.

Common collocations

  • write a dissenting opinion
  • dissenting judge
  • concurring opinion
  • majority opinion
  • judgmentThe final decision of a court in a case, together with the reasons the judge gives for it; also the written document that contains this decision.
  • supreme courtThe highest court in a country or state, whose decisions on legal questions usually bind lower courts and cannot be appealed any further.
  • judgeA public official who runs a court hearing, listens to both sides and decides the case, or tells the jury how the law applies.
  • obiter dictumA comment or opinion in a judgment that is not necessary for the decision and is therefore not binding on later courts, although it may be persuasive.
  • rulingAn official decision made by a judge or court on a particular question, such as whether evidence can be used or whether a claim can continue.

More terms: Judgments, Appeals & Remedies

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not legal advice.