The ratio is the rule the court applied to reach its result on the material facts. It binds lower courts within the jurisdiction, unlike dicta.
Identifying the ratio requires determining which facts were material.
Alternative Names:
Ratio|Rule of the Case
Why it Matters?
Narrowing an adverse precedent by identifying material facts distinguishing it is the core of precedent argument, since the ratio binds only as to materially similar circumstances. Broadening a favorable precedent works the same way in reverse, characterizing the distinguishing facts as immaterial to the rule applied. The opinion's own framing of what mattered is the starting point but does not control.
Frequently Confused with
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
How is an adverse precedent narrowed?
Does the opinion control what facts were material?
