Dissent in Part: A Closer Look at Judicial Disagreements

Definition & Meaning

The term dissent in part refers to a situation in which one or more judges express disagreement with a portion of a majority opinion in a legal decision. This type of dissent indicates that the judge agrees with some aspects of the ruling but disagrees with specific elements. Dissent in part often arises in cases that involve multiple legal claims or consolidated cases, where judges may issue opinions that are both concurring in part and dissenting in part.

Table of content

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: In a case involving a civil rights claim, the majority opinion may affirm the lower court's ruling on liability but dissent in part regarding the damages awarded. A judge may agree with the finding of liability but believe the damages were excessive.

Example 2: In a family law case, a judge may concur with the majority's decision to grant custody to one parent but dissent in part on the visitation rights granted to the other parent. (hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Difference
Dissent A disagreement with the majority opinion. Dissent in part disagrees only with specific aspects, while a full dissent disagrees with the entire opinion.
Concurrence A judge's agreement with the majority opinion. Concurrence indicates full agreement, while dissent in part indicates partial disagreement.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you encounter a dissent in part in your case, it may be beneficial to review the dissenting opinion to understand the alternative legal reasoning presented. Consider consulting with a legal professional for guidance tailored to your situation. Additionally, you can explore US Legal Forms for templates that may assist you in managing your legal documents effectively.

Quick facts

Attribute Details
Type of Opinion Dissenting opinion
Scope Specific parts of a majority ruling
Common Areas Civil, criminal, family law

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

A full dissent disagrees with the entire majority opinion, while a dissent in part only disagrees with specific elements.