What is an obiter dictum?

An obiter dictum (plural: obiter dicta) is a statement made by a judge in a court case that is not essential to the decision. It's essentially a judge's opinion on a point of law that isn't directly relevant to the case at hand. While it's not binding precedent (meaning lower courts aren't required to follow it), it can be influential and persuasive in future cases. It's often used to clarify a point of law or offer guidance on a related issue. Think of it as a helpful aside, rather than the core ruling.