Prima facie,
Definition of Prima facie:
Based on the first impression; accepted as correct until proved otherwise.
On the first impression.
Prima facie is a legal claim that has sufficient evidence to proceed to trial or judgment. In Latin, prima facie means “at first sight” or “at first view.".
In civil litigation, a plaintiff files a lawsuit claiming that a defendant’s actions (or inactions) caused injury. For example, a business may file a claim indicating that one of its vendors is in breach of contract after failing to deliver an order and that the failure to deliver resulted in the business losing customers. The complaint filed with the court provides background information on the reason for the lawsuit, what the injury was, and how the defendant may have contributed to this injury occurring. Before going to trial, the court must determine if the case has enough merit to be tried in court. Upon an initial examination of the claim during a pre-trial hearing, a judge may determine that enough evidence exists to support a case. The case is thus considered prima facie.
What appears to be true and is accepted as a fact, until evidence to the contrary is detected or submitted. Latin for, on the face of things, or on first appearance.
Synonyms of Prima facie
Apparently, As it seems, As seen, At a glance, At first sight, At sight, By eyeball, By sight, On the surface, Ostensibly, Outwardly, Seemingly, Superficially, To all appearances, To all seeming, To the eye, Visibly, Visually
How to use Prima facie in a sentence?
- Prima facie is typically used in civil cases, where the burden of proof is on the plaintiff.
- The man told me that his love for her happened at prima facie , which meant it was love at first sight for him and her.
- The 20 tons of cocaine in his house, that was discovered by the police, is prima facie evidence of his involvement in drug trafficking.
- Prima facie refers to a case in which pre-trial evidence was reviewed by a judge and determined to be sufficient to warrant the trial.
- The prosecutor on the murder case presented the events of the following morning from blood stains and fingerprints that looked like prima facie against the defendant to be sentenced.
- A prima facie case of professional misconduct.
- However, just because a case has been determined prima facie doesn't mean that the plaintiff will win.
Meaning of Prima facie & Prima facie Definition