Latin

Question 1

Obiter dicta

Answer 1

Judges expression of opinion.
Not essential to the decision.
Not legally binding as a precedent.

Question 2

Ratio decidendi

Answer 2

Reason for the decision.
Is legally binding.
Outcome of the case depends on the ratio decidendi / facts.

Question 3

Stare decisis

Answer 3

Stand by decision.

Original, binding and persuasive.

Question 4

Novus actus interviniens

Answer 4

Intervening acts that affect the result. Chain of causation.