Which term refers to non-binding opinions sought by the judiciary and not binding on courts?

Which term refers to non-binding opinions sought by the judiciary and not binding on courts?

• A. Mootness
• B. Standing
• C. Advisory opinions
• D. Political questions

Answer: (C)

Advisory opinions are non-binding opinions issued in response to a request, typically by the judiciary or a government body, to clarify how the law would apply in a hypothetical or contemplated situation. They’re meant to guide action and provide legal clarity, not to decide a concrete dispute or bind future courts. Because they aren’t issued as decisions on live controversies, they don’t create enforceable rights or bind other courts as precedent. Mootness and standing concern whether a case is capable of ruling on a real dispute and who has the right to bring a case, respectively. Political questions refer to issues the courts decline to decide because they’re more properly resolved by the other branches. None of these describe non-binding opinions sought by the judiciary in the same way advisory opinions do.

Advisory opinions are non-binding opinions issued in response to a request, typically by the judiciary or a government body, to clarify how the law would apply in a hypothetical or contemplated situation. They’re meant to guide action and provide legal clarity, not to decide a concrete dispute or bind future courts. Because they aren’t issued as decisions on live controversies, they don’t create enforceable rights or bind other courts as precedent.

Mootness and standing concern whether a case is capable of ruling on a real dispute and who has the right to bring a case, respectively. Political questions refer to issues the courts decline to decide because they’re more properly resolved by the other branches. None of these describe non-binding opinions sought by the judiciary in the same way advisory opinions do.