term:

Factfinding

factfinding n

: the act or process of determining the facts and often the issues involved in a case, situation, or relationship
;specif
: a method of labor dispute resolution in which an impartial factfinder holds hearings and from the evidence gathered makes determinations as to the facts and issues of the dispute and sometimes makes recommendations for resolution NOTE: At the trial level, factfinding is done by the jury, or by the judge in a non-jury trial. At agency proceedings, factfinding is done by an officer or by a commission, council, or other body.

Source: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.