The distinction between Fact in Issue and Relevant Fact is fundamental in the law of evidence. It is one of the most important concepts. If this distinction is not clear, evidence law collapses into confusion. Courts do not examine every fact placed before them. They examine only those facts which the law permits them to consider. Understanding what must be proved and what may be proved is central to fair adjudication.
Meaning of Fact in Issue
A Fact in Issue refers to a fact that is directly in dispute between the parties. This fact must be proved to determine the outcome of the case. These are the core facts upon which the legal rights or liabilities of the parties depend.
In simple terms, a fact in issue answers the question:
What exactly does the court need to decide?
Facts in issue are derived from the pleadings, charges, and applicable law. If a fact is not a fact in issue, failure to prove it does not affect the final decision.
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Nature of Facts in Issue
Facts in issue are substantive and decisive. They form the foundation of the case and define the scope of the trial.
In a criminal case, facts in issue typically relate to the commission of the offence. They also involve the identity of the accused and the existence of required mental elements.
In a civil case, facts in issue concern the existence or denial of legal rights, obligations, or breaches.
Only facts in issue require strict proof. Everything else exists to support or explain them.
Meaning of Relevant Fact
A Relevant Fact is a fact that is not directly in issue. It is connected to a fact in issue in such a way. This connection helps the court infer the existence or non-existence of that fact.
Relevant facts do not decide the case on their own. Their role is supportive and explanatory.
The test is not importance but legal relevance. A fact may seem important, logical, or emotionally persuasive, yet still be legally irrelevant.
Nature of Relevant Facts
Relevant facts act as evidentiary links. They help establish probability, context, intention, conduct, or consistency related to the fact in issue.
Examples include motive, preparation, conduct before and after the incident, admissions, confessions, and surrounding circumstances.
Relevant facts widen the evidentiary net but do not replace the need to prove facts in issue.
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Key Differences Between Fact in Issue and Relevant Fact
A fact in issue is the principal fact that must be proved to decide the case. A relevant fact is an auxiliary fact that assists in proving or disproving a fact in issue.
Facts in issue arise directly from the dispute. They also come from legal provisions. Relevant facts arise from their connection with facts in issue.
Failure to prove a fact in issue results in failure of the case. Failure to prove a relevant fact does not, by itself, defeat the case.
Facts in issue define the scope of the trial. Relevant facts operate within that scope.
Relationship Between the Two
Facts in issue and relevant facts are not competing concepts; they operate together. A court first identifies the facts in issue. Then it allows relevant facts to be proved only to the extent they help establish those facts.
Relevant facts cannot exist independently. Their relevance is entirely dependent on the existence of a fact in issue.
Without facts in issue, relevant facts are meaningless. Without relevant facts, proving facts in issue becomes difficult.
Importance in Evidence Law
This distinction prevents trials from becoming unfocused narratives filled with unnecessary details. It ensures that courts concentrate on legally determinative facts rather than emotional or speculative material.
It also protects parties from prejudice. It does so by excluding facts that may influence the court emotionally. These facts have no legal bearing on the dispute.
Also Read- What is Evidence?
A Fact in Issue is what the court must decide.
A Relevant Fact is what helps the court decide it.
Confusing the two leads to poor pleadings, weak arguments, and flawed judgments. Evidence law is not about telling the whole story; it is about telling the legally relevant story.
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