headnotes

Legal opinion previews

Headnotes are the summary paragraphs at the beginning of a legal case report, outlining the key points of law addressed in the decision.

They help lawyers quickly determine whether a case is relevant to their research without reading the full opinion.

Headnotes are typically written by editors, not judges, and aren't considered part of the official ruling: The headnotes indicated the case dealt with contract law, but I had to read the opinion itself to understand the nuance.

prefatory

foreword

Introductory book section

prefaceIntroductory book section
introductionPreliminary section or presentation
prologueIntroductory literary section

preamble · abstract · summary · overview · frontmatter · editorial · commentary · epigraph · dedication · acknowledgment

notation

clef

Staff pitch indicator

staffOrganization's workers collectively
ledger lineShort line extending staff
key signatureNotation showing tonal center

time signature · sharp · flat · natural · accidental · dynamics · articulation · tempo marking · fermata · repeat sign

score

sheet music

Published performance notation

manuscriptOriginal text before publication
conductorOne who directs musicians
orchestraLarge instrumental ensemble

parts · ensemble · arrangement · transcription · edition · publisher · rehearsal · cue · instrumentation · orchestration

headnotes

foreword

clef

sheet music

headnotes

Opposites

Categories

Family