prima facie

Definition

Evidence sufficient to establish a fact unless contradicted—basically, enough proof that things look bad for one side unless they can explain themselves. It's the legal standard for 'yeah, this definitely seems sketchy.'

Example Usage

The prosecutor established a prima facie case of fraud; now it's up to the defense to explain why those emails don't mean what they obviously appear to mean.

Origin

Latin for 'at first face' or 'on its face'

Fun Fact

In employment discrimination cases, the prima facie standard is so well-defined that lawyers have essentially turned it into a checkbox exercise.

Source: Common legal evidence terminology

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