What is ratio decidendi?

• A. The binding legal principle essential to the decision.
• B. The entire reasoning including non-essential parts.
• C. The factual background of the case.
• D. The procedural history of the case.

Answer: (A)

Ratio decidendi is the binding legal principle that explains why the court made its decision. It’s the rule of law established by the judgment that future courts must follow in similar cases. The rest of the judgment, such as the factual background or anything said merely in passing about other situations, is not binding; that is known as obiter dicta. So the correct option points to the essential legal principle that decides the outcome and creates precedent.