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Law vocabulary · Latin Legal Terms

Prima facie

Meaning in law, with examples

/ˌpraɪmə ˈfeɪʃi/adjectiveCommon term

In law, prima facie means: Based on what is first seen or known, before closer examination; in law, enough to support a claim unless the other side proves otherwise.

In Turkish: ilk bakışta, görünüşte, ilk izlenime göre

How it is used

Mostly in 'prima facie case' and 'prima facie evidence'. A claimant who 'establishes a prima facie case' puts pressure on the defendant to answer it. Also used as an adverb: 'the clause is prima facie valid'.

Example sentences

  1. The emails provide prima facie evidence that the parties had agreed on a price.

  2. If we can show a prima facie case, the employer will have to explain its decision.

Common collocations

  • prima facie case
  • prima facie evidence
  • establish a prima facie case
  • prima facie valid
  • burden of proofThe duty of one side in a case to prove that the facts it relies on are true; if it cannot do so, it loses on that point.
  • evidenceDocuments, objects, statements and other information that a court uses to decide which facts are true.
  • bona fideReal and honest, or acting in good faith without any intention to deceive; from the Latin for 'in good faith'.
  • de factoExisting in reality or in practice, even if not officially established by law; the opposite of 'de jure', which means 'by law'.

More terms: Latin Legal Terms

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not legal advice.