clearly erroneous legal definition

The standard that an appellate court normally uses to review a trial judgeÂ’s findings of fact when a civil case that was tried without a jury is appealed. The appellate court may not reverse the decision merely because, based on the facts, it would have reached a different conclusion. However, it may reverse the decision if the appellate court determines that the trial courtÂ’s decision was clearly erroneous, even if there is some evidence in the facts to support the decision. See also abuse of discretion and error.