What does "not for publication" imply about a case's opinion?

When a case's opinion is labeled "not for publication," it indicates that the opinion is intended strictly for internal use and is not meant to be disseminated widely in legal journals or other published formats. This designation suggests that the case does not establish binding precedent or may not have significance beyond the specific facts or circumstances of that case.

As a result, the opinion is often not seen as having the same weight or authority as published opinions, which are available for public viewing and can be cited in future cases. This distinction is important in legal research and practice, where the precedential value of opinions plays a critical role in legal arguments and decisions.