ratio decidendi

Definition of "ratio decidendi"
  1. The foundational principle on which a court bases its judgment
How to use "ratio decidendi" in a sentence
  1. The ratio decidendi of the case established a new precedent for future decisions.
  2. The judge had to ascertain the ratio decidendi of the previous case before she ruled.
  3. The principle of stare decisis requires subsequent courts to adhere to the ratio decidendi of previous decisions.
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