dicta

dic·tum   (dĭk'təm)    n.   pl. dic·ta (-tə) or dic·tums An authoritative, often formal pronouncement: "He cites Augustine's dictum that 'If you understand it, it is not God'" (Joseph Sobran). Law See obiter dictum. [Latin, from neuter past participle of dīcere, to say; see deik- in Indo-European roots.]

Main Entry: dic·tum
Pronunciation: 'dik-t&m
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural dic·ta /-t&/
Etymology: Latin, utterance, from neuter of dictus, past participle of dicere to say
: a view expressed by a judge in an opinion on a point not necessarily arising from or involved in a case or necessary for determining the rights of the parties involved called also obiter dictum —compare HOLDING, JUDGMENT, PRECEDENT, STARE DECISIS
NOTE: Dicta have persuasive value in making an argument, but they are not binding as precedent.