Plural of dictum; authoritative pronouncements, maxims, or statements of fact made by someone in power.
From Latin 'dicta' (plural of 'dictum,' meaning 'things said'). Derived from 'dicere' (to speak). Used in formal or legal contexts to refer to official declarations.
When a judge issues a 'dictum' (singular), they're making an official statement, and if they make several pronouncements, they're issuing 'dicta'—but people often just say 'dicta' even for one statement!
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