Legal Definitions - denotative fact

A denotative fact refers to a piece of information that is objective, verifiable, and describes something literally, without relying on interpretation, opinion, or subjective meaning. It focuses on the direct, explicit meaning of a statement or observation, representing what is demonstrably true or observable in the real world. In legal contexts, denotative facts are essential because they provide the foundational, unambiguous truths upon which arguments and judgments are constructed.

• Example 1: In a criminal trial, a prosecutor presents security camera footage showing a specific individual, wearing a blue jacket, entering the bank at 10:05 AM on the day of the robbery.

  Explanation: The details of the individual's clothing color, the exact time, and the location are all denotative facts. They are objective observations from the footage, verifiable by anyone who watches it, and do not require interpretation or opinion to establish their truth.

• Example 2: A property dispute hinges on a clause in a deed that explicitly states, "The boundary line extends 50 feet due north from the oak tree."

  Explanation: The measurement of "50 feet" and the direction "due north" from a specific landmark ("the oak tree") are denotative facts. They are precise, unambiguous terms in a legal document that can be objectively measured and verified on the ground, leaving no room for subjective interpretation of the boundary's location.

• Example 3: During a product liability case, an expert witness testifies that the brake fluid in the faulty vehicle had a boiling point of 250 degrees Fahrenheit, while the manufacturer's specifications required a minimum of 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

  Explanation: The measured boiling point of the brake fluid (250 degrees Fahrenheit) and the manufacturer's specified minimum (400 degrees Fahrenheit) are denotative facts. These are objective, measurable values that can be scientifically tested and verified, directly stating a characteristic of the product without subjective assessment.