Legal Definitions - finding of fact

A finding of fact is a determination made by the person or group responsible for weighing evidence in a legal case about what actually happened. When parties in a lawsuit disagree on specific events, actions, or circumstances, it creates a "question of fact." The "trier of fact"—which could be a jury, a judge in a trial without a jury, or an administrative agency official—listens to testimony, examines documents, and considers all presented evidence to decide which version of events is true.

These factual conclusions are crucial because they often form the basis for applying the law and determining the final outcome of a case. Higher courts typically show great respect for these findings, only overturning them if they are clearly unsupported by the evidence presented at the original trial or hearing.

Here are some examples illustrating a finding of fact:

• Car Accident Liability: In a civil lawsuit following a car accident, Driver A claims Driver B ran a red light, causing the collision. Driver B, however, testifies that Driver A was speeding and entered the intersection after the light had already turned red. After hearing testimony from both drivers, an eyewitness, and reviewing traffic camera footage, the jury (as the trier of fact) concludes that Driver B did indeed run the red light. This is a finding of fact because the jury resolved a dispute about a specific event based on the evidence, which will be central to determining who was legally at fault.

• Criminal Intent in a Bench Trial: A defendant is accused of theft. The prosecution presents evidence that the defendant took an item from a store without paying. The defense argues the defendant simply forgot to pay, intending to return and do so later. In a bench trial (where a judge decides the case without a jury), the judge considers all the evidence, including witness statements and security footage. The judge then makes a finding of fact that the defendant intentionally took the item with no intention of paying for it. This factual determination about the defendant's state of mind (intent) is critical for establishing guilt under the law.

• Disability Benefits Eligibility: An individual applies for disability benefits, claiming they are unable to work due to a chronic back condition. The government agency responsible for benefits reviews the applicant's medical records and hears testimony from the applicant and a medical expert. The administrative law judge (ALJ) presiding over the hearing reviews all the evidence and concludes that, based on the medical documentation and testimony, the applicant's back condition does not prevent them from performing sedentary work. This is a finding of fact because the ALJ, acting as the trier of fact within an administrative context, made a specific determination about the applicant's physical capabilities based on the evidence presented, which directly influences the decision to grant or deny benefits.