Are majority opinions considered binding precedent?

Majority opinions are considered binding precedent because they establish the legal standard that must be followed by lower courts in the same jurisdiction. When a court issues a majority opinion, it reflects the views of the majority of the judges or justices involved in a case. This opinion serves as a guiding principle for future cases with similar facts or legal issues.

In the hierarchy of legal authority, the decisions made by appellate and supreme courts create precedent that lower courts are obligated to adhere to. This principle is known as stare decisis, which promotes consistency and predictability in the law.

It’s also important to note that in jurisdictions that follow common law, the rule of binding precedent applies broadly and reinforces the authority of majority opinions. Therefore, any case law that emerges from these opinions must be followed by lower courts unless it is overturned by a higher court or modified by statute.