Types of opinions rendered by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court may render one of six types of opinions: 3. Plurality Opinions When a majority of the Justices cannot agree upon the outcome of a case and the reasons for deciding the case in that way, the Supreme Court will issue multiple opinions called plurality opinions. Each opinion provides different reasons for a decision. Suppose that nine Justices hear a civil case. Three of the Justices agree that the plaintiff won for reason A. Three Justices hold that the plaintif won, but for reason B. The other three Justices hold that the defendant won, for reason C. Each of the two opinions for the plaintiff is called a plurality opinion. Because no opinion commands the supportof a majority of the Justices, this decision is weak and sets no precedent for future cases. Next

	E-mail the professor Tony Parker at parker@jan.ucc.nau.edu, or call (520)523-2508

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