What is another term for the trier of fact?

The term "trier of fact" refers to the entity responsible for determining the facts of a case during a trial. In most legal contexts, this role is filled by the jury or, in the absence of a jury, by the judge. "Fact finder" is a commonly used synonym for "trier of fact," as it succinctly captures the essence of the role: to find and establish the facts based on the evidence presented during the proceedings. The fact finder evaluates the evidence, assesses credibility, and ultimately comes to conclusions about what actually happened in the case.

Other terms, while they may seem related, do not accurately convey the specific role of establishing the facts. For example, "fact judge" may imply a judge’s function, but it does not encompass the broader notion that a jury can also serve this role. Similarly, "fact gatherer" suggests an individual or entity that collects information rather than assesses and determines what the facts are. "Fact evaluator" focuses on assessing facts but lacks the direct connection to the legal process of finding and establishing facts during a trial. Therefore, "fact finder" is the most precise and accepted terminology in legal contexts.