A fact finder, also known as trier of fact, is an impartial person or examiner designated to appraise the facts underlying a particular matter of a case.
For Example:
- In a jury trial: the jury is the fact finder that decides what really happened in the case at hand.
- In a bench trial: the judge is the fact finder that decides what really happened.
- In an official investigation: an agent or committee may be appointed to determine the facts.
See also: Question of Fact
[Last updated in January of 2022 by the Wex Definitions Team]