Are appellate court opinions binding?

Appellate court opinions are binding in California, meaning they are legally enforceable and can be used as precedent (or an example) for future judicial decisions. This means that when lower court judges are making a decision, they must consider the decision made by the appellate court first. In California, the decisions of the Court of Appeal (an appellate court) are binding and controlling over the decisions of lower courts. This means that the ruling from the appellate court must be followed, unless the Supreme Court sets a new precedent of the law. The Supreme Court is the highest court in California. It hears appeals from lower courts, and its opinions are binding on all other courts in the state. This means that, unless the Supreme Court overturns an appellate court opinion, other courts in California must stick to the original ruling. When an appellate court opinion is binding, it serves as an example for all other courts in the state. Lower courts may not necessarily have to follow the opinion, but they must consider it before making a decision. This helps to ensure uniformity in the law and respect for court decisions.

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Are appellate court opinions binding?

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