Maxim: Ratio Decidendi
Origin: Latin phrase
Meaning: the reason for a decision
Example:Ratio Decidendi is the principle of law or the legal reason upon which the outcome of a particular case is founded.
Maxim: Obiter Dictum
Origin: Latin phrase
Meaning: remarks/observations of a judge which are not necessary for reaching a decision
Example: An obiter dictum is a statement made by a judge in course of his judgment which may not be precisely relevant to the issue before him. These are the facts which are neither expressly nor impliedly treated to be necessary in reaching the conclusion.