Glossary · General

Prima Facie

prima-facie-a2ff120acbf3be9c-2026-07-28

Type
Glossary
Jurisdiction
National
Date
2026-07-28
Topic
General

Latin for at first sight, describing evidence that, if unrebutted, is sufficient to establish a fact or claim. A prima facie case is the minimum showing on each element that gets a claim to the fact-finder and shifts the practical burden to the other side to respond. It does not mean the claim will win, only that it clears the initial threshold.

Definition

Latin for at first sight, describing evidence that, if unrebutted, is sufficient to establish a fact or claim. A prima facie case is the minimum showing on each element that gets a claim to the fact-finder and shifts the practical burden to the other side to respond. It does not mean the claim will win, only that it clears the initial threshold.

Prima Facie. Latin for at first sight, describing evidence that, if unrebutted, is sufficient to establish a fact or claim. A prima facie case is the minimum showing on each element that gets a claim to the fact-finder and shifts the practical burden to the other side to respond. It does not mean the claim will win, only that it clears the initial threshold. Example: Registration and proof of copying made out a prima facie case of copyright infringement.