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To: ken5050
Ken5050, I'm far from being a lawyer too, or even knowledgeable about law, and your question stirred my interest. I found these definitions that might be of interest to you, although they don't go into detail, regarding your question:

http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/finding

finding n. the determination of a factual question vital (contributing) to a decision in a case by the trier of fact (jury or judge sitting without a jury) after a trial of a lawsuit, often referred to as findings of fact. A finding of fact is distinguished from a conclusion of law which is determined by the judge as the sole legal expert. Findings of fact and conclusions of law need not be made if waived or not requested by the trial attorneys, leaving just the bare judgment in the case.

conclusion of law n. a judge's final decision on a question of law which has been raised in a trial or a court hearing, particularly those issues which are vital to reaching a judgment. These may be presented orally by the judge in open court, but are often contained in a written judgment in support of his/her judgment such as an award of damages or denial of a petition. In most cases either party is entitled to written conclusions of law if requested.

judgment n. the final decision by a court in a lawsuit, criminal prosecution, or appeal from a lower court's judgment, except for an "interlocutory judgment" which is tentative until a final judgment is made. The word "decree" is sometimes used as synonymous with judgment.

decree n. in general, synonymous with judgment. However, in some areas of the law, the term decree is either more common or preferred as in probates of estates, domestic relations (divorce), admiralty law, and in equity (court rulings ordering or prohibiting certain acts). Thus, there may be references to a final or interlocutory decree of divorce, final decree of distribution of a dead person's estate, etc.

456 posted on 01/11/2006 7:54:16 AM PST by LucyJo ("I have overcome the world." "Abide in Me." (John 16:33; 15:4)
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To: LucyJo
The "finding" definition you found (hahahahah) is in the context of a trial. In yesterday's discussion, the term "finding" was relating to Congress' obligation to have Constitutional basis for lawmaking.

It does have the same meaning as in "finding facts," but the purpose for the finding in a court case is used to determine liability or guilt; whereas in the lawmaking context, it has to do with the determination of whether the statute itself has Constitutional foundation.

479 posted on 01/11/2006 7:59:18 AM PST by Cboldt
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To: LucyJo

Many thanks....I'll see a few lawyers at a party this weekend..maybe I'll ask them....though I have to avoid my tendency for "MEGO" ( My Eyes Glaze Over) when talking to attorneys...


505 posted on 01/11/2006 8:05:28 AM PST by ken5050 (Ann Coulter needs to have children ASAP to pass on her gene pool....any volunteers?)
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