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Simple English definitions for legal terms
simplex dictum
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A quick definition of simplex dictum:
A simplex dictum is a statement made by someone who is considered an authority on a subject. It can be a rule or belief that is widely accepted, but it is not necessarily proven. Sometimes, judges make statements that are not essential to their decision, and these are called obiter dicta. A personal statement made by a judge is called a dictum proprium. A gratis dictum is a statement made voluntarily, and a judicial dictum is an opinion on a question that is not essential to the decision.
A more thorough explanation:
A simplex dictum is a statement that is unproved or dogmatic. It is considered authoritative because of the person who said it, but it is not necessarily true or proven.
- A famous scientist says, "There is no life on other planets." This is a simplex dictum because it is an unproved statement made by an authoritative person.
- A judge says, "All criminals should be punished severely." This is a simplex dictum because it is a dogmatic statement made by an authoritative person, but it is not necessarily true in all cases.
These examples illustrate how a simplex dictum can be a statement that is not necessarily true or proven, but is considered authoritative because of the person who said it.