An authoritative statement; a dogmatic saying; a maxim, an apothegm. / A judicial opinion expressed by judges on points that do not necessarily arise in the case, and are not involved in it.

plural of dictum

An incidental remark; especially (law) a statement or remark in a court's judgment that is not essential to the disposition of the case.

(art) The position that anything is art as long as somebody calls it art.