§ 5.4.3.2 Legal Findings.

• Jurisdiction: Arizona

§ 5.4.3.2 Legal Findings. In contrast to a review of factual findings, an appellate court applies an independent judgment standard of review to determinations of law. See, e.g., Finnegan v. Indus. Comm’n, 157 Ariz. 108, 109, 755 P.2d 413, 414 (1988); Central Mgmt. Co. v. Indus. Comm’n, 162 Ariz. 187, 189, 781 P.2d 1374, 1376 (App. 1989). Even though an appellate court defers to reasonably supported factual findings, the court independently reviews whether a particular inference may be drawn from the evidence. See, e.g., Bennett v. Indus. Comm’n, 163 Ariz. 534, 538, 789 P.2d 401, 405 (App. 1990). Similarly, in reviewing a mixed question of law and fact, an appellate court defers to reasonably supported factual findings, but independently reviews ultimate legal conclusions. See, e.g., Bayless v. Indus....