dicta

[ˈdɪktə]

dicta Definition

• 1. an authoritative pronouncement
• 2. a judge's ruling or statement
• 3. a statement or assertion that expresses a general truth or principle

Using dicta: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "dicta" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The dicta of the Supreme Court are often cited in legal arguments.

• Example

  The judge's dicta were clear and concise.

• Example

  One of the famous dicta of Confucius is 'Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.'

dicta Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for dicta

• pronouncement
• declaration
• decree
• edict
• ruling

Phrases with dicta

• obiter dicta

  remarks made by a judge that are not essential to the decision reached in a particular case

  Example

  The obiter dicta in the case were later used as the basis for a new legal doctrine.

• ipse dixit

  an unsupported statement or assertion; a dogmatic expression of opinion

  Example

  The professor's ipse dixit was not supported by any evidence or research.

• dictum meum pactum

  my word is my bond; a statement expressing the speaker's intention to keep their promise

  Example

  Dictum meum pactum, I will be there on time.

Origins of dicta

from Latin 'dictum', meaning 'something said'

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Summary: dicta in Brief

The term 'dicta' [ˈdɪktə] refers to authoritative pronouncements or statements, often made by judges or expressing general truths. It includes phrases like 'obiter dicta,' which are remarks not essential to a legal decision, and 'ipse dixit,' an unsupported assertion. The phrase 'dictum meum pactum' expresses the speaker's intention to keep their word.