Prima Facie
Literal meaning: “At first sight; on its face.”
What does the Latin term "Prima Facie" mean in law?
Prima facie describes evidence or a case that, if unrebutted, is sufficient to establish a fact or raise a presumption of fact. A prima facie case is one in which the plaintiff has introduced enough evidence on each element of the cause of action that a reasonable jury could find in the plaintiff's favor, thereby surviving a motion for directed verdict or summary judgment. In employment discrimination under the McDonnell Douglas framework, a prima facie case shifts the burden of production to the defendant to articulate a legitimate, non-discriminatory reason for the challenged action. The term is used both as an adjective ('prima facie evidence') and as a noun ('the plaintiff established a prima facie case').
Source: General · Legal Latin
Legal Definition
Prima facie describes evidence or a case that, if unrebutted, is sufficient to establish a fact or raise a presumption of fact. A prima facie case is one in which the plaintiff has introduced enough evidence on each element of the cause of action that a reasonable jury could find in the plaintiff's favor, thereby surviving a motion for directed verdict or summary judgment. In employment discrimination under the McDonnell Douglas framework, a prima facie case shifts the burden of production to the defendant to articulate a legitimate, non-discriminatory reason for the challenged action. The term is used both as an adjective ('prima facie evidence') and as a noun ('the plaintiff established a prima facie case').
How It's Used
Prima facie is one of the most frequently encountered Latin terms in legal practice. It is used across nearly every area of law to describe the minimum quantum of evidence needed to survive dispositive motions. Law students encounter it in torts, civil procedure, evidence, and employment discrimination.
Example Sentences
The plaintiff established a prima facie case of negligence by presenting evidence of duty, breach, causation, and damages.
The employer rebutted the prima facie case of discrimination by showing a legitimate business reason for the termination.
Prima facie evidence of fraud was sufficient to survive the defendant's motion for summary judgment.