What does 'dicta' refer to when discussing case law?

Dicta refers specifically to remarks or commentary made by a judge that are not central to the legal decision in a case. These comments, while they may provide insight into the judge's thinking or the implications of the decision, do not have the force of law and are not binding in future cases. They are considered extraneous to the core ruling and do not create a binding precedent like the holding of a case does. Understanding the distinction between dicta and the binding parts of a case is essential for interpreting how judicial opinions can influence future cases and for discerning the weight of various statements made by judges in their decisions.