What does ratio Decidendi and Obiter Dictum mean?

Answer 1

1. reason for the decison
2. things said 'by the way'

eg the ratio decidendi was 'the man was stealing because he intentionally deprived the owner of his property'

the obiter is 'if he had done this unintentionally, it would not be theft'

REMEMBER! THE RATIO IS BINDING, THE OBITER IS NOT!

hope this helps. i know loads if you get stuck on anymore.

Answer 2

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratio_decidendi

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obiter_dictum