What is an advisory opinion?

An advisory opinion refers to a nonbinding statement, often issued by governmental agencies or advisory bodies, that provides guidance on a legal question or scenario without resolving any specific dispute. These opinions are intended to inform policymakers, organizations, or the public about how the law may be interpreted or applied in future situations, but they do not carry the weight of legally enforceable authority.

By detailing potential outcomes or interpretations of the law, advisory opinions can help individuals or entities understand their rights and obligations in a given context, but they do not compel any specific action or make decisions about legal rights or responsibilities in the same way that a judicial ruling or order would. This is why option B effectively encapsulates the nature and function of an advisory opinion in legal contexts.