Upon the trial of questions of fact by the court, it shall not be necessary for the court to state its findings, except generally, for the plaintiff or defendant, unless one of the parties request it, with the view of excepting to the decision of the court upon the questions of law involved in the trial; in which case the court shall state, in writing, the findings of fact found, separately from the conclusions of law.
§ 611.Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
Chapter 11: Trial · Last amended June 1, 1991 · Last verified August 3, 2026
In one sentenceSection 611 lets a court trying facts without a jury issue a general finding for the plaintiff or defendant, but requires separate written findings of fact and conclusions of law if either party asks, so the party can except to the court's legal rulings.
Full Text of § 611
Amendment History
Amended by Laws 1990, SB 881, c. 251, § 9, eff. 1/1/1991; Amended by Laws 1991, SB 24, c. 251, § 4, emerg. eff. 6/1/1991.
Plain-English Summary
In a bench trial, a judge doesn't have to spell out every step of reasoning. Section 611 lets the court rule for the plaintiff or the defendant without explaining that ruling, unless a party asks for more. That request has a purpose: a party who wants to challenge the court's legal rulings on appeal needs to see where the facts end and the law begins.
Once a party makes that request, the court must put its findings in writing, and it must keep the facts separate from the conclusions of law. That separation matters. It tells the losing party exactly which legal ruling to challenge and which factual findings to accept.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a judge have to explain a bench-trial ruling in Oklahoma?
Not unless a party asks. Without a request, the court can rule generally for the plaintiff or the defendant without stating separate findings.
How do I get written findings of fact from the judge?
Request them. Section 611 lets a party who wants to except to the court's legal rulings ask the court to state its findings of fact and conclusions of law separately, in writing.
Why does it matter whether findings and conclusions are kept separate?
Separating them lets the losing party pinpoint which legal ruling to challenge, since an exception under this article targets a decision on a matter of law, not a factual finding.
Does this section apply to jury trials?
No, it applies only when the court, not a jury, tries the questions of fact.
Source & verification. Section text is reproduced verbatim from
Title 12 of the Oklahoma Statutes, enacted by the Oklahoma Legislature.
Last verified August 3, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: Oklahoma bench trial findings of factrequest separate findings of fact and conclusions of law12 O.S. § 611written findings court trial Oklahoma