Multiple choice

Ratio decidendi may be defined as

  1. Statement of law applied to the legal problems disclosed by facts

  2. Finding of material facts, direct and inferential, based on earlier case law

  3. Both 1 and 2

  4. None of these

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Ratio decidendi has two key components: (1) the statement of legal principles applied to the case facts, and (2) the findings of material facts (both direct and inferential) based on earlier case law. Together, they form the binding part of a judicial precedent.