Which statement correctly describes the difference between binding authority and persuasive authority?

• A. Binding authority is optional and never binding.
• B. Persuasive authority binds in the same way as binding authority.
• C. Binding authority must be followed within the jurisdiction; persuasive authority does not bind but may guide.
• D. Persuasive authority binds automatically if it comes from a higher court.

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is that some authority controls outcomes, while other authority can only influence them. Binding authority must be followed in its jurisdiction. It includes the state constitution, statutes, regulations, and decisions from the court that has the final say within that jurisdiction. Persuasive authority, on the other hand, does not bind a judge; it can be highly influential and helpful, but a judge may choose to follow it or distinguish it based on how strong or relevant it is, especially if it comes from a different jurisdiction or from non-controlling sources.

That’s why the statement describing binding authority as something that must be followed within the jurisdiction, while persuasive authority does not bind but may guide, is the best fit. A higher court’s decision from the same jurisdiction is binding on lower courts, whereas decisions from other jurisdictions or from non-binding sources are persuasive and not binding.