clearly erroneous

adjective

clear·​ly erroneous
: being or containing a finding of fact that is not supported by substantial or competent evidence or by reasonable inferences
findings of fact…must not be set aside unless clearly erroneousFederal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 52(a)
compare abuse of discretion, de novo

Note: The requirement that findings be clearly erroneous to be set aside is a standard of review used especially by an appellate court when reviewing a trial judge's (as opposed to a jury's) findings of fact for error.

Dictionary Entries Near clearly erroneous

Cite this Entry

“Clearly erroneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/clearly%20erroneous. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!