Legal Definitions - simulated fact

A simulated fact refers to information, an event, or a condition that is presented or created to *appear* as a genuine truth or reality, but which is not actually true or real in its original context. It is an imitation or representation of a fact, often constructed for purposes such as testing, demonstration, or, in some cases, deception.

• Example 1: Legal Demonstration

  In a complex patent infringementlawsuit, the plaintiff's expert witness uses a sophisticated 3D computer model to demonstrate how the defendant's product *would* function under specific conditions, illustrating the alleged infringement. This model generates data and visual outcomes that mimic real-world operation.

  Explanation: The data and visual outcomes produced by the 3D model are "simulated facts." They are not recordings of the actual defendant's product operating in the real world, but rather a carefully constructed representation designed to show what *would* happen based on engineering principles and data. The court is presented with a simulated reality to understand the technical arguments.

• Example 2: Regulatory Compliance and Testing

  A pharmaceutical company is testing a new drug. Instead of testing on human subjects immediately, they use advanced computer simulations to model how the drug interacts with human biological systems, predicting potential side effects and efficacy. The results of these simulations are then used to inform further research and trials.

  Explanation: The interactions and outcomes observed within the computer model are "simulated facts." They represent what *might* happen in a living organism, but they are not actual observations from a real human body. These simulated facts help researchers understand the drug's behavior without the risks associated with immediate human trials.

• Example 3: Deception or Fraud

  An individual attempts to secure a loan by submitting a bank statement that has been digitally altered to show a much higher balance than their account actually holds.

  Explanation: The inflated bank balance presented in the altered statement is a "simulated fact." It is presented as a genuine financial truth to the lender, but it does not reflect the actual funds available in the account. The individual has created a false representation of their financial reality to deceive the lender.