dictum

[/ˈdɪktəm/]
nounmasculinepl: dicta or dictums
ditado, máxima, pronunciamento
1. A formal pronouncement or authoritative statement; a saying or maxim
The judge's dictum regarding the interpretation of the law was respected by all lawyers.
O ditado do juiz sobre a interpretação da lei foi respeitado por todos os advogados.
2. A judicial opinion or ruling on a particular case
The court's dictum established a precedent for future cases.
O pronunciamento do tribunal estabeleceu um precedente para casos futuros.
3. An authoritative or dogmatic assertion; a statement presented as an unquestionable truth
He spoke with such confidence that his dictum seemed beyond dispute.
Ele falou com tanta confiança que seu ditado parecia inquestionável.
In legal contexts, particularly in common law systems like the United States and Brazil, 'dictum' is crucial terminology. 'Obiter dictum' (incidental remark) versus 'ratio decidendi' (the reasoning for the decision) are important distinctions in jurisprudence. The word carries weight and formality, suggesting authoritative expertise.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
pronouncementstatementdeclarationrulingmaximaphorismassertion
Antonyms / Antônimos
questioninquirydoubt

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
ditado, máxima
Most commonly used in legal and formal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
pronunciamento, fala do juiz
Often used when referring to judicial rulings
São Paulo
máxima, dito
Legal and academic contexts predominate
Portugal
ditado, máxima, pronúncia
More formal and archaic usage in everyday speech

Related Words

judicialprecedentopinionedictdecreemandatejurisprudence

Related Idioms & Phrases

by his/her own dictum
judicial dictum
obiter dictum (a judge's remark not essential to the decision)
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