Obiter Dictum Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Obiter Dictum.

Obiter Dictum (noun)

An Obiter Dictum, often simply referred to as a 'dictum' is a minor remark or comment made by a judge during a legal judgment. The importance of this comment lies not in its relevance to the ultimate decision or result of the case, but instead, it offers additional insight or clarification about the legal principles and theories underlying the case. This term is frequently used in legal contexts, such as court cases, legal documents, or law textbooks.