secondary authority
Secondary authority refers to statements about the law from unofficial commentators without the authority to establish legal rules in the relevant jurisdiction . Secondary authorities can provide valuable insights and guidance on legal issues , helping to clarify the application and implications of primary law. Common examples include law review articles and treatises . Although secondary authority may be persuasive , it is never mandatory .
See primary authority (contrast).
[Last reviewed in June of 2024 by the Wex Definitions Team ]
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