What is "advisory opinion"

n. (context legal English) An opinion issued by a court that does not have the effect of resolve a specific legal case, but merely advises on the constitutionality or interpretation of a law.

An advisory opinion is an opinion issued by a court or a commission like an election commission that does not have the effect of adjudicating a specific legal case, but merely advises on the constitutionality or interpretation of a law. Some countries have procedures by which the executive or legislative branches may certify important questions to the judiciary and obtain an advisory opinion. In other countries or specific jurisdictions, courts may be prohibited from issuing advisory opinions.