The Term Ratio Decidendi Refers To

The term ratio decidendi refers to:

A) the part of a judge's written decision that states the legal principle upon which the decision is based, which part becomes binding law.
B) that part of the judge's decision not relevant to determination of the legal question upon which the judgement is based.
C) a judge's remarks concerning matters other than the legal principle upon which the final decision is based.
D) the part of the judge's decision that is not binding precedent.