Legal Definitions - physical-facts rule

The physical-facts rule is a legal principle that allows a court or jury to disregard oral testimony (what someone says under oath) if it directly contradicts undeniable physical evidence presented in a case. Essentially, if the physical evidence makes a witness's statement impossible or highly improbable, the physical evidence takes precedence. This rule acknowledges that objective physical evidence, such as forensic findings, photographs, measurements, or scientific data, can sometimes be more reliable than human memory, perception, or intentional misrepresentation.

Here are some examples illustrating the physical-facts rule:

• Car Accident Reconstruction:

  • Scenario: In a personal injury lawsuit following a car accident, a witness testifies that the defendant's vehicle was traveling at a very slow speed, approximately 15 miles per hour, just before the collision.
  • Physical Evidence: However, accident reconstruction experts present evidence of extensive damage to both vehicles, long and deep skid marks on the road measuring over 80 feet, and data retrieved from the defendant's car's event data recorder (often called a "black box") indicating the vehicle was traveling at 55 miles per hour.
  • Explanation: Under the physical-facts rule, the court would likely disregard the witness's testimony about the low speed. The witness's statement is irreconcilable with the objective physical evidence, which strongly indicates a much higher speed and greater force of impact. The physical facts (damage, skid marks, and black box data) are considered more reliable than the witness's recollection.

• Burglary and Surveillance Footage:

  • Scenario: During a criminal trial for burglary, the defendant testifies under oath that they were at home asleep during the entire time the burglary occurred and never went near the crime scene.
  • Physical Evidence: The prosecution presents clear security camera footage from a nearby business showing the defendant's distinct vehicle arriving at the crime scene shortly before the burglary, and then the defendant themselves, clearly identifiable, entering and exiting the burgled premises during the time of the incident.
  • Explanation: The court would apply the physical-facts rule to disregard the defendant's alibi testimony. The irrefutable video evidence directly contradicts their claim of being home, making their oral testimony unbelievable in light of the objective physical facts captured by the surveillance system.

• Construction Material Dispute:

  • Scenario: A homeowner sues a contractor, claiming the contractor failed to install the specific brand and type of high-grade, fire-resistant roofing shingles agreed upon in their contract. The contractor testifies that they did, in fact, use the specified materials.
  • Physical Evidence: An independent building inspector conducts a thorough examination of the roof, taking samples of the installed shingles. Laboratory analysis of these samples conclusively shows that a different, lower-grade, and non-fire-resistant brand of shingle was used throughout the property.
  • Explanation: The physical-facts rule would allow the court to disregard the contractor's testimony. The objective laboratory results from the physical samples directly contradict the contractor's verbal claim, establishing an incontrovertible physical fact that the wrong material was installed.