Legal Definitions - finding

Finding

A finding, also known as a “finding of fact”, is a decision made by a judge or jury in a trial that determines a factual question. This decision contributes to the final decision in the case. For example, a finding of fact could be that the defendant was the one who robbed the bank. A finding of law could be that the defendant's use of the copyrighted material was protected by the fair use doctrine.

Example 1: In a trial for robbery, the jury makes a finding of fact that the defendant was the one who committed the crime.

Example 2: In a trial for copyright infringement, the judge makes a finding of law that the defendant's use of the copyrighted material was protected by the fair use doctrine.

These examples illustrate how a finding is a decision made by the judge or jury that determines a factual question. The finding contributes to the final decision in the case.