EXAMPLE:
Sandor claims that the issue of his liability for damage on his sidewalk resulting in injury to another was settled in a previous case. The judge reminds Sandor that the previous case concerned the city’s obligation to keep the sidewalks in good repair and the city’s liability for injury to a person. The part of the case addressed to a private citizen’s liability was not necessary to the decision and hence was only dictum and is not binding on this judge.
DICTA: plural form of dictum.
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Source: Barron's Dictionary of Legal Terms, Steven H. Gifis, 5th Edition; ©