obiter dictum

American  

[ob-i-ter dik-tuhm] / ˈɒb ɪ tər ˈdɪk təm /

noun

plural

obiter dicta

1. an incidental or passing remark, opinion, etc.

2. Law. an incidental or supplementary opinion by a judge in deciding a case, upon a matter not essential to the decision, and therefore not binding as precedent.

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obiter dictum British  

/ ˈɒbɪtə ˈdɪktəm, ˈəʊ- /

noun

1. law an observation by a judge on some point of law not directly in issue in the case before him and thus neither requiring his decision nor serving as a precedent, but nevertheless of persuasive authority

2. any comment, remark, or observation made in passing

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Etymology

Origin of obiter dictum

1805–15; < Latin: (a) saying by the way

Example Sentences

"It is an obiter dictum," somebody said to me, apparently thinking that Latin would persuade me.

From Newsweek • Feb. 16, 2013

While plumping before a House committee for a $10 million bill to battle juvenile delinquency, Health, Education and Welfare Secretary Abraham Ribicoff delivered an obiter dictum on child labor legislation.

From Time Magazine Archive

Not so, said Burger, in an obiter dictum to a decision that substantiated a Winston-Salem, N.C., busing order.

From Time Magazine Archive

Perhaps never again will there be anything quite like the cool authority of an obiter dictum from Emily Post.

From Time Magazine Archive

J. I am highly satisfied by your lordship's obiter dictum.

From Baboo Jabberjee, B.A. by Anstey, F.