What type of authority can help a court reach its decision and provide background understanding of a specific area of law?

Secondary authority is the appropriate type of authority that assists a court in reaching its decisions and providing background understanding of a specific area of law. This type of authority includes commentary, analyses, and explanations of legal principles found in legal treatises, law reviews, legal encyclopedias, and other scholarly writings. Secondary authority does not have the force of law but offers interpretation, context, and insight that can be invaluable for understanding primary sources of law.

For example, when a court is faced with a complex legal issue, it may refer to secondary authority to better grasp the nuances of the law, explore differing viewpoints, or understand the historical context surrounding a statutory provision. Secondary authority helps clarify and make sense of the rules and principles that primary authorities, like statutes and case law, establish.

In contrast, primary authority consists of laws, regulations, and court decisions that are binding on the courts. Statutory authority refers specifically to laws enacted by legislatures, and administrative authority pertains to rules and regulations created by government agencies. While all of these sources play a crucial role in law, secondary authority stands out in its role of providing interpretation and context that aids legal understanding.