Nakon konstatacije da su procesna načela kao opća pravna pravila činitelj jedinstva općih i posebnih upravnoprocesnih propisa te djelomičnog jedinstva sudskih i upravnog postupka, autor u radu zastupa stajalište da je načelo traženja materijalne istine znanstveno opravdano i prihvatljivo, ali ne u smislu klasične filozofske teorije istine, tzv. teorije korespondencije kao „potpune suglasnosti subjektivne spoznaje s objektivnom stvarnošću“, nego kao konstrukcija pravne teorije u značenju metode ili načina prikupljanja procesne građe i utvrđivanja činjeničnog stanja koje se shvaća kao činjenično stanje na kojem je legitimno utemeljiti odluku procesnog tijela. Rad sadržava definiciju načela traženja materijalne istine, obradu najvažnijih pravila našega upravnoga procesnog prava kojima je to načelo utemeljeno te pravila kojima je ono ograničeno. Slijedi razmatranje načela traženja materijalne istine u parničnom postupku te usporedba toga koliko to načelo vrijedi u upravnom postupku i parničnom postupku.The principle of searching for material truth, as a product of legal theory, is scientifically justified and acceptable as a method and form (rule) of action to enable true (correct) fact finding; which is the ground upon which the authority legitimately bases its decision. The term truth-seeking emphasizes the methodology or way of establishing a factual situation; i.e., an activity in search of truth. In accordance with the investigative and official principles of the Croatian legal system, an official person deciding in a single case has strong investigative powers and the authority to initiate and decide in single administrative proceedings ex officio; making the principle of searching for material truth an important one. Although the legal system adopts rules and procedures to enable truth seeking, other procedural rules restrict the pursuit of truth, confining the principle of searching for material truth within the limits set by the law. For example, the civil process is dominated by the principle of debate and the disposition of the parties. In accordance with these principles, the court is bound by the will of the parties, both as to the established facts and adduced evidence, as well as with regard to the initiation and maintenance of the litigation. Other procedural rules that threaten the knowledge of truth are also accepted. Taking into consideration the numerous rules of civil procedure law that impede real truth seeking and those less numerous allowing for a true (correct) determination of the facts, it may be concluded that unlike administrative proceedings, the principle of seeking material truth in civil proceedings is substantially restricted
