What is "dicta"

Dicta \Dic"ta\, n. pl. [L.] See Dictum.

Dictum \Dic"tum\, n.; pl. L. Dicta, E. Dictums. [L., neuter of dictus, p. p. of dicere to say. See Diction, and cf. Ditto.]

1. An authoritative statement; a dogmatic saying; an apothegm.

   A class of critical dicta everywhere current.
   --M. Arnold.

2. (Law)

   1. A judicial opinion expressed by judges on points that do not necessarily arise in the case, and are not involved in it.

   2. (French Law) The report of a judgment made by one of the judges who has given it.
      --Bouvier.

   3. An arbitrament or award.

n. (en-irregular plural of: dictum)

1. n. an authoritative declaration [syn: pronouncement, say-so]

2. an opinion voiced by a judge on a point of law not directly bearing on the case in question and therefore not binding [syn: obiter dictum]

3. [also: dicta (pl)]

See dictum