Legal Definitions - specific finding

A specific finding is a precise factual determination made by a jury during a trial. At the judge's direction, jurors are asked to answer particular questions about key facts presented in the case. These questions help guide the jury's deliberations, ensuring they focus on essential factual disputes rather than just delivering a general verdict. The jury's answers to these specific questions then serve as the foundational facts upon which the final legal judgment or outcome of the case is based.

• Example 1: Contract Dispute

  Imagine a dispute where a software development company, Tech Solutions Inc., is suing a client, Global Enterprises, for non-payment, claiming they delivered the software on time according to the contract. Global Enterprises argues the software was delivered late, thus breaching the agreement. To resolve this core factual disagreement, the judge might ask the jury a specific question:

  • Judge's Question: "Did Tech Solutions Inc. deliver the completed software to Global Enterprises by the contractually agreed-upon date of October 15th?"
  • Jury's Specific Finding: "No, Tech Solutions Inc. did not deliver the software by October 15th."

  This specific finding directly addresses a critical factual element of the contract dispute. The jury's answer helps the court determine whether Tech Solutions Inc. fulfilled its contractual obligations, which is essential for deciding if they are entitled to payment.

• Example 2: Personal Injury - Causation

  Consider a personal injury lawsuit where a pedestrian, Ms. Chen, is suing a driver, Mr. Davies, after being hit by his car. Ms. Chen claims the accident caused a severe back injury, while Mr. Davies's defense suggests her back pain was a pre-existing condition unrelated to the collision. To clarify this crucial medical causation issue, the judge might instruct the jury to make a specific finding:

  • Judge's Question: "Was Ms. Chen's current severe back injury directly and proximately caused by the collision with Mr. Davies's vehicle?"
  • Jury's Specific Finding: "Yes, Ms. Chen's severe back injury was directly and proximately caused by the collision."

  This specific finding establishes a direct causal link between the accident and Ms. Chen's injury. This factual determination is vital for the jury to proceed with calculating damages, as compensation is typically only awarded for injuries directly resulting from the defendant's actions.