Definition
A concurring opinion is written by a judge who agrees with the court’s judgment but not fully with the majority’s reasoning.
Political Dictionary
Concurring Opinion
A concurring opinion agrees with the outcome but offers different or additional reasoning.
Why It Matters
Concurrences can influence future doctrine, identify narrower grounds, or highlight unresolved questions.
How It Works
A judge joins the judgment and writes separately to explain another rationale.
History
Separate concurrences have long been part of appellate practice.
Example
A justice may agree that a law is invalid but rely on a different constitutional provision.
Common Misconceptions
- A concurrence disagrees with the result.
- Concurring opinions are always binding.
- Only one concurrence may be filed.
Related Terms
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