The Synopsis is a great place to get a summary and overview of the case and opinion. The synopsis usually includes:
- Background: Brief description of the history of the case:
- What courts had rendered opinions previously;
- Their brief finding;
- Whether a subsequent court had affirmed or reversed lower court;
- Whether it was appealed or sent back to a lower court ("remand") for further consideration.
- Holdings:
- Summarizes current court's decision
- Indicates results of decision
- Affirmed - agree with lower court decision
- Reversed - overturn lower court decision
- Remanded - sent back to lower court for further consideration
- Lists who dissented.
Example: Synopsis from Miranda v. Arizona
Criminal prosecutions. {The synopsis starts with a history of the case, listing each court and summarizing their decisions.} The Supreme Court, Mr. Chief Justice Warren, held that statements obtained from defendants during incommunicado interrogation in police-dominated atmosphere, without full warning of constitutional rights, were inadmissible as having been obtained in violation of Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination.
Judgments in first three cases reversed and judgment in fourth case affirmed.
Mr. Justice Harlan, Mr. Justice Stewart, and Mr. Justice
White dissented; Mr. Justice Clark dissented in
