Legal Definitions - elemental fact

An elemental fact is a specific, foundational piece of information that a party in a legal dispute must prove through evidence to establish a claim or defense. These facts are the individual components that, when proven collectively, lead to an "ultimate fact" – the final legal conclusion or proposition that a party seeks to establish. Each elemental fact directly corresponds to a required component (or "element") of a legal standard or cause of action.

Think of it like building a structure: the ultimate fact is the completed building, and the elemental facts are the individual bricks, beams, and foundation pieces that must all be in place for the building to stand.

• Example 1: Proving Negligence in a Car Accident

  Imagine a lawsuit where a driver (the plaintiff) claims another driver (the defendant) was negligent and caused a car accident. The ultimate fact the plaintiff wants to prove is that the defendant was negligent.

  To prove this, the plaintiff must establish several elemental facts:

  • Duty of Care: The defendant owed a legal duty to drive safely.
  • Breach of Duty: The defendant failed to meet that duty (e.g., by speeding or running a red light).
  • Causation: The defendant's breach directly caused the accident and the plaintiff's injuries.
  • Damages: The plaintiff suffered actual harm or losses (e.g., medical bills, vehicle repair costs).

  Explanation: Each of these points (duty, breach, causation, damages) is an elemental fact. The plaintiff must present evidence for each one. If even one elemental fact cannot be proven, the ultimate fact of negligence cannot be established, and the plaintiff's claim will likely fail.

• Example 2: Proving Theft in a Criminal Case

  Consider a prosecutor attempting to prove that a defendant committed theft. The ultimate fact the prosecutor seeks to establish is that the defendant is guilty of theft.

  To achieve this, the prosecution must prove several elemental facts beyond a reasonable doubt:

  • Taking of Property: The defendant physically took possession of an item.
  • Property of Another: The item belonged to someone else.
  • Without Consent: The taking occurred without the owner's permission.
  • Intent to Permanently Deprive: The defendant intended to keep the item permanently or for an extended period, depriving the owner of its use.

  Explanation: Each of these specific actions and intentions constitutes an elemental fact. If the prosecutor can prove all four elemental facts, the jury can then conclude the ultimate fact that the defendant committed theft. If, for instance, the prosecutor cannot prove the intent to permanently deprive, the ultimate fact of theft might not be established, even if the other facts are present.

• Example 3: Proving Breach of Contract

  Suppose a business (the plaintiff) sues a supplier (the defendant) for failing to deliver goods as agreed. The ultimate fact the plaintiff wants to prove is that the supplier breached their contract.

  To win the case, the plaintiff must establish the following elemental facts:

  • Existence of a Valid Contract: A legally binding agreement was formed between the business and the supplier.
  • Plaintiff's Performance: The business fulfilled its own obligations under the contract (e.g., made payments).
  • Defendant's Breach: The supplier failed to perform a material term of the contract (e.g., did not deliver the goods on time or at all).
  • Damages: The business suffered financial losses as a direct result of the supplier's failure.

  Explanation: Each of these points is an elemental fact. The business must present evidence for each one. If, for example, the supplier can show that no valid contract ever existed, then the ultimate fact of a breach of contract cannot be established, regardless of whether goods were delivered or not.