an opinion given by a court on a case that does not settle the case but sets out the court's view of how the law or the constitution would apply to that case
advisory opinion in American English
noun
Law
a formal opinion that is given on a point of law by a court, judge, or judges on request from a legislature or government official, contrasted with an opinion in a case at law where the point is being adjudicated
Examples of 'advisory opinion' in a sentence
advisory opinion
The ruling, arrived at by majority decision of the 14 justices, is an advisory opinion.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Bodies established to adjudicate on disputes were not in the business of giving advisory opinions to litigants or potential litigants.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Those who relied on its advisory opinions when applying the law in practice might be misled or confused.