The Assignment of the Opinion in a Supreme Court Case

question 33

Multiple Choice

The assignment of the opinion in a Supreme Court case is:

• A) unimportant because the final vote of the justices is the only statement that carries any weight in future cases
• B) important because differences in wording and emphasis can have important implications for how the decision is interpreted in future litigation
• C) unimportant because all justices usually describe their decisions in exactly the same way
• D) important because every word of a decision is legally binding
• E) unimportant because they are rarely, if ever, read by anyone involved in the legal process

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Definitions:

Redistribution Of Wealth

The transfer of income and wealth from some individuals to others through a social mechanism such as taxation, charity, welfare, public services, land reforms, or monetary policies.

Efficiency

The extent to which time or effort is well used for the intended task or purpose, often with the minimum amount of waste, expense, or unnecessary effort.

Equality

An existence of equality, notably in areas of status, rights, and opportunities.

Opportunity Cost

The cost of foregoing the next best alternative when making a decision or choice.