Dissenting judgements in Supreme Court.

https://www.rte.ie/news/2018/1108/1009514-fred-forsey-courts/

Fred Forsey Jr from Dungarvan in Co Waterford won his Supreme Court appeal over his conviction by a majority of four to one.

In a dissenting judgment, Mr Justice John McMenamin said he considered the prosecution case was overwhelming and the defence evidence concerning the alleged loan, was discredited to the extent no jury could have concluded Mr Forsey was not guilty.

Considering that the judgement of the majority of the Supreme Court judges prevails, what's the point of a dissenting judgement?


Would it not make sense for all the Supreme Court judges hearing a particular case to act as the judicial equivalent of a jury when they adjudicate on the case?