Why is it so important for justices to write opinion papers?

Imagine how terrifying our system of justice would be if judges made decisions without explanation. In Family Court, judges would divide up property, and award child custody, without giving any reason for their choices. In civil cases, judges would resolve business disputes, and determine personal responsibility for accidents, without explanation. In criminal cases judges would make important rulings regarding a defendant's constitutional rights without stating a basis for the decision.

We wouldn't stand for such a system because we want to know that decisions are fairly reached. We want an explanation for how the judge reached his or her decision.