conclusions of law

Definition

Conclusions of law are a judge's official decisions about which legal rules apply to the facts of a case. After a trial or hearing, the judge takes the facts that were proven and applies the relevant laws to reach these formal legal determinations. Think of it as the judge's written explanation of why the law points to a particular outcome.

Example

If you sued a contractor for breach of contract, the judge might issue a conclusion of law stating that the contractor's failure to finish the work on time legally qualifies as a material breach under your state's contract law.

Watch Out

Conclusions of law are significant because they can be appealed to a higher court, so if a judge gets the law wrong in your case, you may have grounds to challenge the decision.

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This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.