prima facie case

American  

noun

Law.

1. a case in which the evidence produced is sufficient to enable a decision or verdict to be made unless the evidence is rebutted.

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Etymology

Origin of prima facie case

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Scott is the first example of a state appellate court holding that evidence of implicit racial bias in policing establishes a prima facie case of racial discrimination justifying the exclusion of evidence.

From Slate • Sep. 20, 2023

But under the law, to pierce the attorney-client privilege, the government must prove a prima facie case and prove that communications were made to further a fraud or crime.

From Salon • Mar. 28, 2023

However bail was refused, with Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan stating she believed a prima facie case had been established.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2023

That constituted “a prima facie case of undisclosed earmarking,” according to the plaintiffs.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2022

But at any rate, this is a very good prima facie case for continuing the order, and I shall report accordingly.

From Life and Letters of Thomas Henry Huxley — Volume 2 by Huxley, Thomas Henry