<P> A justice voting with the majority may write a concurring opinion ; this is an opinion where the justice agrees with the majority holding itself , but where he or she wishes to express views on the legal elements of the case that are not encompassed in the majority opinion . Justices who do not agree with the decision made by the majority may also submit dissenting opinions , which may give alternative legal viewpoints . Dissenting opinions carry no legal weight or precedent , but they can set the argument for future cases . John Marshall Harlan 's dissent in Plessy v. Ferguson set down for the majority opinion later in Brown v. Board of Education . </P>
<P> A justice voting with the majority may write a concurring opinion ; this is an opinion where the justice agrees with the majority holding itself , but where he or she wishes to express views on the legal elements of the case that are not encompassed in the majority opinion . Justices who do not agree with the decision made by the majority may also submit dissenting opinions , which may give alternative legal viewpoints . Dissenting opinions carry no legal weight or precedent , but they can set the argument for future cases . John Marshall Harlan 's dissent in Plessy v. Ferguson set down for the majority opinion later in Brown v. Board of Education . </P>
a supreme court justice who does not agree with the majority decision can submit
a supreme court justice who does not agree with the majority decision can submit
dissenting opinions
dissenting opinions