Final answer:
'Ratio decidendi' is the legal reasoning behind a court's decision and can be found in the majority opinion of the judgment. It is distinguished from mere judicial comments (obiter dicta) and sets a binding precedent for future cases.
Step-by-step explanation:
To identify the 'ratio decidendi' in a court judgment, you need to look for the legal reasoning that underpins the court's decision. Option C) It is the legal reasoning forming the basis of the court's decision accurately describes 'ratio decidendi', which is distinguished from the mere result of the case, as it involves the principle or principles of law on which the judgment is based. These principles guide future cases as part of the common law system's reliance on precedent, or stare decisis. Therefore, the 'ratio decidendi' includes the application of the law to the facts of the case and can be found within the majority opinion, where the justices express their reasoning and draw links to precedent and related cases.
It's essential to differentiate 'ratio decidendi' from an obiter dictum, which is a remark made by a judge that is not critical to the decision and is not legally binding as precedent. The majority opinion, concurring opinions, and even dissenting opinions can offer insight into the 'ratio decidendi', but the core legal reasoning in the majority opinion is what will be binding in future cases.