1. A fact that is material, significant, or essential to a case, argument, or matter; a fact that has legal or practical importance
The witness testified about a substantial fact that changed the entire direction of the trial.
A testemunha deporou sobre um fato substancial que mudou toda a direção do julgamento.
2. In law, a fact that directly affects the rights, duties, or liabilities of a party
The defendant's prior criminal record was deemed a substantial fact in determining sentencing.
O registro criminal anterior do réu foi considerado um fato substancial na determinação da sentença.