Legal Definitions - mediate datum

Definition: A mediate datum is an intermediate fact that suggests the existence of ultimate facts.

For example, if you see smoke, it is a mediate datum that suggests the existence of fire. Another example is if you see footprints in the sand, it is a mediate datum that suggests someone has walked there.

These examples illustrate how a mediate datum can lead to the discovery of ultimate facts. By observing and analyzing intermediate facts, we can make educated guesses about what ultimate facts may exist.