Ratio Decidendi in United Kingdom

Ratio decidendi in Legal Latin

Meaning of the latin term “Ratio decidendi” from the University of Kent: ‘The reason for deciding’ – The principle or principles of law on which the court reaches its decision. ratio of the case has to be deduced from its facts, the reasons the court gave for reaching its decision, and

the decision itself. It is said to be the statement of law applied to the material facts. Only the ratio of a case

is binding on inferior courts, by reason of the doctrine of precedent.

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See Also

• Legal Latin Maxims
• Legal Latin Quotes
• Legal Latin Dictionary