In a legal context, which term refers to an agreement on specific facts between opposing counsel?

In legal terminology, a stipulation refers to an agreement made by opposing parties on certain specific facts related to a case. This agreement helps streamline the legal process by eliminating the need to prove those facts during a trial, as both sides acknowledge them as true. Stipulations can cover various aspects of litigation, such as the authenticity of documents, the existence of prior records, or other pertinent facts that, if agreed upon, can reduce the complexity and duration of court proceedings.

By reaching a stipulation, parties can focus on the disputed issues that remain, thereby promoting efficiency in the legal process. This is particularly valuable in civil litigation, where establishing common ground can lead to quicker resolutions. The other terms, while related to legal processes, do not capture the essence of an agreed-upon recognition of facts between opposing counsel. For example, a statement is simply a presentation of information, consensus refers more broadly to mutual agreement but lacks the formal context, and an affidavit is a written statement made under oath, which does not necessarily involve agreement between opposing parties on specific facts.