Which term refers to a published opinion of a court that serves as authority for determining legal questions in similar future cases?

The term that refers to a published opinion of a court that serves as authority for determining legal questions in similar future cases is precedent. Precedent is established when a court issues a ruling that becomes a model for future cases with similar facts or legal issues. This principle is a key component of common law legal systems, where courts rely on previous rulings to guide their decisions, thereby ensuring consistency and predictability in the law.

In contrast, a statute is a written law passed by a legislative body, which is not necessarily based on judicial decisions. A verdict is the decision made by a jury or judge at the end of a trial, which does not serve the same function as a published court opinion. A resolution, typically associated with decisions made by legislative or formal meetings, also does not carry the legal authority provided by judicial precedents established through court opinions. Thus, the role of precedent is crucial in guiding the outcome of similar legal disputes, making it foundational for the development of law.