Legal Definitions - adjudicative fact

An adjudicative fact refers to a specific detail or event that directly involves the parties in a legal dispute and is crucial for a court or administrative body to decide how the law applies to their particular situation. These are the central, operative facts that determine the outcome of a case, rather than general background information.

Here are some examples to illustrate:

• Civil Contract Dispute: Imagine a small business owner sues a supplier, claiming the supplier failed to deliver goods as promised in their agreement.

  • Adjudicative facts in this scenario would include:
    • Whether a written contract existed between the specific business owner and supplier.
    • The exact terms outlined in that contract regarding delivery dates and product specifications.
    • Whether the supplier actually delivered the goods, and if so, on what date and in what condition.
  • These facts are adjudicative because they directly concern the actions and agreements of the specific parties involved and are essential for the court to determine if a breach of contract occurred and what legal remedies might be appropriate.

• Administrative Zoning Hearing: Consider a homeowner who applies to their local zoning board for a special permit to build a garage closer to their property line than typically allowed by zoning regulations.

  • Adjudicative facts would include:
    • The precise dimensions and unique characteristics of the homeowner's specific property.
    • The exact proposed dimensions and location of the new garage.
    • Evidence demonstrating whether the homeowner faces a unique hardship due to their property's shape or topography that justifies an exception to the standard rules.
  • These facts are adjudicative because they are specific to this particular homeowner's property and proposed project. The zoning board will use these details to decide if the homeowner meets the legal criteria for receiving a special permit or variance.

• Criminal Case (Assault): Suppose an individual is charged with assault following an altercation at a public event.

  • Adjudicative facts would include:
    • Whether the accused was physically present at the location of the altercation.
    • Whether the accused made physical contact with the alleged victim.
    • The nature and extent of any injuries sustained by the victim.
    • Whether the accused acted in self-defense.
  • These facts are adjudicative because they directly pertain to the specific actions and intent of the accused individual and the circumstances of the alleged crime. A court or jury would evaluate these particular facts to determine if the elements of assault have been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.