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Law vocabulary · Latin Legal Terms

Ratio decidendi

Meaning in law, with examples

nounAdvanced term

In law, ratio decidendi means: The legal reasoning that is necessary for a court's decision and that binds later courts; Latin for 'the reason for deciding'.

In Turkish: kararın bağlayıcı gerekçesi, hükmün dayanağı

How it is used

Often shortened to 'the ratio'. Law students are asked to 'identify the ratio' of a case and separate it from obiter dicta. Finding the ratio can be difficult when several judges give different reasons.

Example sentences

  1. In your answer, identify the ratio decidendi of the case in no more than two sentences.

  2. The ratio decidendi is narrow, so it may not apply to online contracts.

Common collocations

  • identify the ratio decidendi
  • the ratio of the case
  • binding ratio
  • 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.
  • precedentAn earlier court decision that judges use as an example or a rule when they decide later cases with similar facts or legal questions.
  • stare decisisThe principle that courts should follow earlier decisions on the same legal question, so that the law stays consistent and predictable; Latin for 'to stand by things decided'.
  • 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.

More terms: Latin Legal Terms

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