MEANING AND USE OF THE LEGAL TERMS: RATIO DECIDENDI

Meaning and Use of the Legal Term: Ratio Decidendi

Meaning: Ratio decidendi, a Latin term, translates to “the reason for deciding.” In legal contexts, it refers to the rationale behind a court’s decision in a case. It represents the legal principle or reasoning on which the court’s judgment is based. This principle forms the binding part of the decision and sets a precedent for similar cases in the future.

Use in Legal Contexts:

• Precedential Value: The ratio decidendi is crucial as it establishes the legal principle that must be followed in similar cases. Courts and legal professionals often refer to past judgments and their ratio decidendi when deciding on new cases.
• Distinguishing Cases: It helps in distinguishing between essential and non-essential parts of a judgment. Not all aspects of a court’s decision form part of the ratio decidendi; some elements might be obiter dicta, which are remarks made by the court that are not binding as precedent.
• Applying Legal Principles: Lawyers use the ratio decidendi of past cases to argue their positions, applying legal principles established by courts to support their arguments.
• Development of Law: Over time, the accumulation of ratio decidendi from various cases contributes to the development and evolution of the law, ensuring consistency and predictability in legal decisions.

Understanding the ratio decidendi of a case is pivotal for legal practitioners, judges, and scholars to comprehend the underlying legal principles and how they apply to specific circumstances. It forms the backbone of legal reasoning and the foundation for the continuity and coherence of legal decisions.