Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[KejciorF]

Hi Everybody,

in the following sentence: From the Court of Appeal, there can be an appeal to the House of Lords on fact or law, but usually appeal is only allowed on matters of legal importance.

What does ON FACT and ON LAW and LEGAL IMPORTANCE mean?

TIA,

Kate.

[pugachevV]

I was waiting for our friend CP to answer this because he is a lawyer, but I will give it a shot.
of fact = new facts that may be uncovered since the trial. Perhaps a confession from someone else.
of law = a point of law- errors and such like- that may change the judge's decision.
Legal importance = an argument that may create a new legal precedent and perhaps change existing law.
That is what I think it means - I hope CP is not laughing too hard!