ratio decidendi

noun

ra·​tio de·​ci·​den·​di
ˈrā-shē-ˌō-ˌde-sə-ˈden-ˌdī, ˈrā-ˌshō-, -ˌdā-sē-ˈden-dē
: the principle or rule constituting the basis of a court decision

Word History

Etymology

Latin, grounds for deciding

Dictionary Entries Near ratio decidendi

ratify

ratio decidendi

rational

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Cite this Entry

“Ratio decidendi.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/ratio%20decidendi. Accessed 5 Dec. 2023.

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