An opinion that is written by one member of the court and represents the principles of law that a majority of his or her colleagues on the court deem operative in a given decision.

Authority that a court or other decision maker believes applies to a case and must be followed.

Codes formulated by various groups or institutions to serve as model laws for legislatures, intended to improve existing laws or unify diverse state legislation.

A law, usually written by a large conference or committee, which is intended as a standard for all states to adopt. (Note: A model or uniform law has no effect until it is adopted by a state.)