What defines a Majority Opinion in judicial terms?

A Majority Opinion in judicial terms is defined as an opinion that is agreed upon by more than half of the justices of a court. This type of opinion is significant because it establishes the official decision and rationale of the court on a given case, and it serves as a binding precedent for lower courts and future cases. The majority opinion articulates the legal reasoning and interpretation of the law that the majority of the justices support, which can shape the way laws are applied and understood.

In contrast, an opinion agreed upon by all justices would be known as a unanimous opinion, not a majority opinion. The idea of leniency in interpretation does not pertain to the concept of a Majority Opinion; rather, it focuses on judicial philosophy and approach. Lastly, an opinion written solely by the Chief Justice is not inherently a Majority Opinion unless it is backed by a majority of the justices, as the Chief Justice can write opinions in various capacities, including dissenting or concurring opinions.