Legal Definitions - facies

Facies refers to the visible, external characteristics or outward appearance of an object, document, or situation. It describes what is immediately apparent or presented on the surface, rather than its underlying substance or hidden qualities.

• Example 1: A Disputed Contract

  Imagine a legal dispute over a contract. One party claims the contract was altered after it was signed. A lawyer might examine the facies of the document, looking at its physical presentation: whether the text is uniformly printed, if there are any visible erasures, smudges, or different ink colors that suggest a change was made. The outward appearance of the document itself provides initial clues about its integrity.

  This example illustrates facies because it focuses on the visible, surface-level characteristics of the contract—its physical state and presentation—to infer potential issues.

• Example 2: Inspecting a Crime Scene

  When law enforcement arrives at a crime scene, their initial assessment involves observing the facies of the location. They note the visible arrangement of furniture, any obvious signs of forced entry, scattered items, or visible damage. This immediate visual impression helps them understand the general state of the scene before a more detailed forensic investigation begins.

  Here, facies refers to the overall outward appearance and visible condition of the crime scene, providing an initial understanding of what transpired.

• Example 3: Assessing a Will's Validity

  A probate court might review a will to determine its validity. If the will's facies shows it is a neatly typed document with clear signatures and proper witness attestations, it generally presents a strong outward appearance of being a legitimate document. However, if the will appears to be written on multiple different types of paper, with inconsistent handwriting and crossed-out sections, its outward appearance might raise immediate questions about its authenticity or the circumstances under which it was created.

  This demonstrates facies by highlighting how the visible, external presentation and physical characteristics of the will contribute to an initial judgment about its potential legal standing.