Legal Definitions - fait

Definition: Fait (pronounced fay or fe) is a Law French term that comes from the Latin word factum. It refers to anything that has been done, an act or deed.

Example: The court considered the fait that the defendant had a history of similar offenses when deciding on the sentence.

Explanation: In this example, the term fait refers to the actions or deeds committed by the defendant in the past. The court took this into account when deciding on the sentence for the current offense.

Additional Example: The company's decision to lay off employees was a fait accompli, as they had already informed the affected workers.

Explanation: In this example, the term fait accompli refers to a deed that has already been accomplished. The company had already made the decision to lay off employees and had informed them, making it a fait accompli.