The line dividing a “a finding of fact” and a “conclusion of law” is not as bright as many would like it to be. Any the difference is material, because the appellate standard of review of each is different.
Here is how a recent opinion of the Tennessee Court of Appeals defined the two:
A finding of fact is “a determination by a judge . . . of a fact supported by the evidence in the record . . .” Finding of Fact, Black’s Law Dictionary (11th ed. 2019). A conclusion of law, however, is “an inference on a question of law, made as a result of a factual showing, no further evidence being required.” Conclusion of Law, Black’s Law Dictionary (11th ed. 2019).
In Re Lieselotte H. Rogoish Revocable Living Trust, No. M2022-01464-COA-R3-CV, at *11 (Tenn. Ct. App. Oct. 16, 2023).