constat

Constat is a French noun that denotes a finding, observation, or statement of fact established after examination or witnessing a result. It derives from the verb constater, meaning to observe or note as fact. In everyday language the term covers a written record that documents what has occurred, the state of affairs at a given time, or the results of an inspection.

In legal and administrative contexts, a constat is a formal written statement used to record facts for evidentiary purposes. It can be produced by a professional such as an huissier de justice (bailiff) or by an expert, and it often carries evidentiary value in court or in administrative proceedings. A constat typically includes the date and place, the identities of parties involved, a factual description of observations, and any relevant measurements or findings. It may be complemented by photographs, diagrams, or attached documents, and it is usually signed by the author and sometimes by witnesses.

Common types of constats include the constat d’huissier, which provides an independent record of a situation or event; a constat d’expertise, resulting from a technical evaluation; and the widely used constat amiable d’accident, a standardized form used by drivers after a car collision to record facts for insurance claims. A medical or forensic constat may document findings from examinations or analyses.

Constats are intended to document facts, not to express opinions, and their usefulness depends on accuracy, clarity, and the credibility of the author. They are frequently cited as objective records in disputes and claims.