Obiter dicta refers to remarks made in passing by a judge that are not part of the ratio decidendi, or essential legal principle, of the case. Dicta are not binding on future courts but can become persuasive. A dictum may become binding if it is later adopted as a ratio in another case or if the Supreme Court applies the proposition in multiple cases. While courts are not bound by obiter dicta, they may still consider persuasive dicta from higher courts in their decisions. It can be difficult to distinguish ratio decidendi from obiter dicta due to the number of judges and opinions in any given case.