designed to find information or ascertain facts; as, a fact-finding committee.

An investigation of a dispute by an impartial third person who examines the issues and facts in the case, and may issue a report and recommended settlement.

Usually used in relation to negotiation, mediation, or arbitration of complex disputes. This is a process by which facts relevant to a dispute are determined. These can be ascertained by a neutral fact-finder, a joint fact-finding effort involving the cooperation of disputing parties, reliance upon the data of independent sources, or a mixture of these. More narrowly defined, fact-finding is an independent process in which a neutral third-party investigates a dispute and issues a report establishing the relevant facts. The report may be used as a basis for settlement.