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• prima facie evidence
  prima facie evidence

  noun

  evidence sufficient to establish a fact or to raise a presumption of fact unless rebutted.
• prima-facie evidence
  prima-facie evidence

  noun

  law evidence that is sufficient to establish a fact or to raise a presumption of the truth of a fact unless controverted

prima facie evidence

American  

noun

Law.

1. evidence sufficient to establish a fact or to raise a presumption of fact unless rebutted.

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prima-facie evidence British  

noun

1. law evidence that is sufficient to establish a fact or to raise a presumption of the truth of a fact unless controverted

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Etymology

Origin of prima facie evidence

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

“The ignition of the Saddleridge Fire by SCE’s power and transmission lines and equipment is prima facie evidence of SCE’s negligence,” states the complaint, which was filed by acting U.S.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 10, 2025

Any off-world bug could be analysed, possibly even brought back to Earth, providing prima facie evidence to at least significantly limit any scientific push back that may ensue.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2025

Violation of this rule is considered prima facie evidence of reckless driving.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 21, 2023

Is the existence of journalistic error prima facie evidence of journalistic malice?

From Slate • Nov. 23, 2021

For De Candolle, membership in one or more such bodies is prima facie evidence of special distinction in some branch of science.

From Woman in Science With an Introductory Chapter on Woman's Long Struggle for Things of the Mind by Zahm, John Augustine