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Finite time stability is investigated for continuous systemẋ = f (x) which satisfies uniqueness of solutions in forward time. A necessary and sufficient condition for finite time stability is given for this class of systems using Lyapunov functions. Then, a necessary and sufficient condition is developed for finite time stabilization of class CL k -affine systemsẋ = f (x) + g(x)u involving a class CL 0 -settling-time function for the closed-loop system. Finally an explicit feedback control is addressed by using a control Lyapunov function verifying a certain inequality.