Prima Facie Evidence

'Prima facie evidence' is an intriguing legal term that refers to the evidence that is apparently sufficient to establish a fact or raise a presumption of fact, unless additional evidence rebuts or disproves it.

It is a Latin term that translates to 'on its face' or 'at first sight,' which emphasizes the apparent nature of the evidence.

Prima facie evidence is commonly used in court proceedings, where a party must provide evidence to support their claim or position. If the evidence is accepted as prima facie, it is assumed to be true until further evidence is presented that proves otherwise.

This indicates that the party presenting the evidence has met their initial burden of proof, and the opposing party must now provide evidence to refute or disprove the presented evidence.

For example, in a criminal trial, the prosecution must present prima facie evidence that proves beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime they are being accused of.

This indicates that the evidence presented is apparently sufficient to establish a presumption that the defendant committed the crime unless the defense can present evidence that disproves or refutes the evidence presented.