What is a plurality opinion?

A plurality opinion is a legal term used to describe a situation when no single opinion in a court case receives the support of a majority of the judges or justices. In such cases, the opinion that has the most number of judges or justices supporting it is called the plurality opinion.

The opinion with the plurality may or may not be the final judgment in the case. Plurality opinions are often the result of complex cases that involve several different legal issues, and where no one opinion can convince a majority of judges. In situations where an appellate court issues a plurality opinion, the opinion with the most votes can still hold persuasive authority.

Although plurality opinions are not binding law, they can be influential and generate a significant impact on future legal decisions. They may also signal unresolved issues in a case that may require further litigation or clarification from higher courts in future cases.