Legal Terms Explained: What's the Difference Between Ratio Decidendi and Obiter Dicta?

What is ratio decidendi and obiter dicta?

In terms of legal dictum, kindly explain the following: What is ratio decidendi and obiter dicta? Is there any difference between the two?

'Ratio decidendi' refers to the legal principle laid down in a judgment, while 'Obiter dicta' refers to any passing remarks made by a judge in a judgment that are not necessary for or related to the decision of the judgment.

Difference between Ratio Decidendi and Obiter Dicta

Ratio decidendi has referential value to be cited as precedent in other cases, whereas Obiter dicta can be ignored as the personal view or observation of the judge who made it.