What is the significance of dissenting opinions?
A) They are made to appeal to a justice's constituency groups.
B) They have as much weight of law as the majority's opinion does.
C) Dissents are signs that the Court is in disagreement on an issue and could change its ruling.
D) Dissents are meant to confuse lawyers and government officials as to the true meaning of a decided case.
E) They are meant to appease the losing side in a case.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Dissenting opinions signify that there is disagreement among the justices on a particular issue, which could lead to the Court changing its ruling in the future. This is significant because it highlights the ongoing conversations and debates surrounding a particular legal question, and may alert lawmakers and advocates to continued opportunities for litigation and advocacy.

Answer: B 
 Dissenting opinions do not carry the weight of law as the majority's opinion does. However, they can provide important context, legal analysis, and critiques of the majority's reasoning that may inform future legal decisions.

Answer: A, D, E 
 These choices are incorrect because they misunderstand the purpose and significance of dissenting opinions. Dissents are not meant to confuse or please particular groups, but rather to provide a counterpoint to the majority's decision and promote ongoing dialogue and debate about important legal issues.

What Is the Significance of Dissenting Opinions