What is a majority opinion?

A majority opinion is indeed a statement reflecting the views of most justices in a case. This type of opinion is crucial because it serves as the official ruling of the court and establishes legal precedent that lower courts are required to follow. The majority opinion articulates the legal reasoning behind the court's decision, detailing how the law applies to the facts of the case and explaining the implications of the ruling for future cases.

This opinion is typically authored by one justice and may be joined by others, representing a collective agreement among the majority of the justices. It encapsulates the core arguments and conclusions that are essential for understanding the court's decision, often addressing various aspects of the law as well as policy considerations and broader implications.

In contrast, an opinion shared by all justices would suggest a unanimous ruling, which is less common. The dissenting justices focus on arguments that oppose the majority's reasoning, while a summary of a case's historical context does not pertain to the opinions rendered by justices in their ruling. Therefore, the role of a majority opinion is defined by its representation of the prevailing viewpoint and rationale among the justices, making it a critical component of judicial decision-making and legal interpretation.