obiter dictum
(ob-i-t[schwa]r dik-t[schwa]m). [Latin “something said in passing”] A judicial comment made while delivering a judicial opinion, but one that is unnecessary to the decision in the case and therefore not precedential (although it may be considered persuasive). — Often shortened to dictum or, less commonly, obiter. Pl. obiter dicta See DICTUM. Cf. HOLDING(1); RATIO DECIDENDI. [Cases: Courts 92. C.J.S. Courts §§ 142–143.]