Legal Definitions - fact

In legal terms, a fact refers to a piece of information that is objectively true, an event that genuinely occurred, or a condition that truly exists. Unlike an opinion, a belief, or a legal interpretation, a fact can be verified, observed, or proven through evidence presented in court. The process of determining which facts are true is a fundamental responsibility of a trial court.

• Example: During a trial for a car accident, a witness testifies that the traffic light was red for southbound traffic at the time of the collision.

  Explanation: The color of the traffic light at a specific moment is a fact because it is an objective condition that either existed or did not exist. Its truth can be verified through witness testimony, traffic camera footage, or accident reconstruction reports, making it a verifiable piece of reality relevant to determining fault.

• Example: In a dispute over a construction contract, it is established that the contractor failed to complete the roof by the agreed-upon deadline of June 1st.

  Explanation: The completion status of the roof by a specific date is a fact. It's an event (or lack thereof) that either happened or didn't happen, and its truth can be proven through project logs, inspection reports, or photographic evidence. This verifiable event is crucial for determining if a breach of contract occurred.

• Example: In a criminal trial, cell phone records and surveillance footage show the defendant was at a specific coffee shop across town at 10:00 AM on the day the crime occurred.

  Explanation: The defendant's physical location at a particular time is a fact. It is an objective reality that can be proven through various forms of evidence, such as digital records and visual recordings. This verifiable piece of information helps establish an alibi or presence, directly impacting the case's outcome.