Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) Practice Exam

What does a majority opinion represent in a court case?

1. The views of a single judge only

2. The opinion of a minority of judges

3. The agreement of more than half of the judges

4. The dissenting arguments of the judges

The correct answer is: The agreement of more than half of the judges

A majority opinion represents the agreement of more than half of the judges participating in a case. In the context of appellate courts, when judges deliberate on a case and reach a decision, the majority opinion articulates the judicial reasoning and conclusions drawn by the majority of the judges. This document serves as the authoritative ruling for the case and establishes the legal precedent that lower courts will follow. The majority opinion is critical because it embodies the consensus view on the legal issues at stake, providing clear guidance on how the law should be interpreted moving forward. This is essential for maintaining a consistent body of law and ensuring that similar cases are treated equally under the jurisdiction. In contrast, the views of a single judge, minority opinions, or dissenting arguments, while important in expressing differing viewpoints, do not carry the weight of the majority opinion and are generally considered less influential in shaping future legal outcomes.