What is the purpose of a headnote in a legal opinion?

A headnote in a legal opinion serves the critical function of outlining the main issues of the case. It provides a concise summary of the legal principles and topics addressed within the opinion, enabling readers to quickly ascertain the essential legal points and context relevant to the case. This facilitates easy navigation for legal professionals and researchers who are looking for specific information related to particular legal questions or topics.

In contrast to summarizing the verdict, which is a more specific piece of information, the headnote encapsulates broader legal issues. While clarifying legal terms is important, that task is typically fulfilled within the opinion itself, rather than through the headnote. Additionally, although citations are important for referencing, they are not the primary focus of a headnote. Instead, the headnote is intended to serve as an overview of the case's legal issues, making the correct choice the most appropriate representation of the purpose of a headnote.