Which statement is true about unpublished opinions?

Which statement is true about unpublished opinions?

• A. Only published opinions can serve as precedent
• B. Unpublished opinions are binding on all lower courts
• C. Unpublished opinions can be cited as precedent in all cases
• D. Unpublished opinions are binding only to the parties in which the particular case is issued for

Answer: (D)

Unpublished opinions have limited authority. The ruling resolves the dispute only for the people involved in that case and does not establish a binding rule for future cases. Because of that, unpublished opinions are not general precedent for all courts. They may be cited for persuasive value in some situations, but they do not bind other courts or create universal precedent. That’s why the statement describing them as binding only to the parties in that case best captures their actual role.

Unpublished opinions have limited authority. The ruling resolves the dispute only for the people involved in that case and does not establish a binding rule for future cases. Because of that, unpublished opinions are not general precedent for all courts. They may be cited for persuasive value in some situations, but they do not bind other courts or create universal precedent. That’s why the statement describing them as binding only to the parties in that case best captures their actual role.