1. The most important or fundamental fact; the central or primary fact upon which other facts depend or are based
The principal fact in this case is that the defendant was present at the scene of the crime.
O fato principal neste caso é que o réu estava presente no local do crime.
2. In law, the most significant piece of evidence or information that establishes or supports a legal claim
The principal fact must be established before any secondary arguments can be considered.
O fato principal deve ser estabelecido antes que qualquer argumento secundário seja considerado.