What is the term for an opinion written by a U.S. Supreme Court justice in the minority?

The term for an opinion written by a U.S. Supreme Court justice in the minority is known as a dissenting opinion. This type of opinion reflects the disagreement of one or more justices with the majority's decision in a case. The dissenting opinion provides an alternative viewpoint on the legal issues at hand, detailing the reasons the dissenting justices believe the majority's ruling is incorrect or flawed.

Dissenting opinions are significant as they often outline legal arguments that can influence future cases and the development of law. They serve as a record of dissenting views and can be cited in later cases to support different interpretations of the law.

The other options represent different types of legal opinions but do not refer to the perspective of a minority of justices. A concurring opinion, for example, is written by justices who agree with the majority's conclusion but for different reasons. The majority opinion articulates the judgment of the court and is the official ruling, while an annuity opinion does not pertain to court proceedings at all. Therefore, the correct identification of a minority opinion as a dissenting opinion is essential for understanding the dynamics of Supreme Court decisions.