To classify a judicial decision as "Best" or "Fair/Weak Authority," what should you compare?

To classify a judicial decision as "Best" or "Fair/Weak Authority," it is essential to compare the legal issue and facts of the case to your client’s specific situation. This comparison allows you to assess whether the precedent set by the case is directly applicable and relevant to the client's circumstances. A "Best" authority would typically involve cases with similar facts and legal issues, thereby providing stronger support for your client's position.

Evaluating the alignment of legal issues and facts ensures that the judicial decision can be effectively used to argue for a particular outcome in a similar case. In contrast, other factors, such as the case names, judges' opinions, or the number of citations, do not inherently reflect the applicability or strength of the authority concerning your client's specific context. Thus, focusing on the legal issue and facts is paramount in determining the authority's relevance and strength.