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Simple English definitions for legal terms
ultimate question
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A quick definition of ultimate question:
An ultimate question is the most important question that needs to be answered in a legal case. It is the question that will determine the outcome of the case. For example, in a murder trial, the ultimate question might be whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty. Other types of issues in a legal case include fact issues, which are points that are disputed by the parties, and legal issues, which are points that depend on the court's interpretation of the law.
A more thorough explanation:
The ultimate question is the final and most important issue that needs to be answered in order to resolve a case or controversy. It is the fundamental issue that a court needs to decide in order to rule on a point of law.
For example, in a criminal case, the ultimate question might be whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty of the crime they are accused of. In a civil case, the ultimate question might be whether the defendant is liable for damages or not.
The ultimate question is different from collateral issues, which are questions that are not directly related to the main point of the case. For example, in a car accident case, a collateral issue might be whether the plaintiff was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident.
Overall, the ultimate question is the most important issue that needs to be resolved in order to reach a final decision in a legal case.