Prima Facie: Definition and Legal Applications

What prima facie means

Prima facie is a Latin phrase meaning “at first sight.” In law, it describes a case or evidence that, on initial examination, is sufficient to support a legal claim and allow the matter to proceed to trial or judgment. Establishing a prima facie case shifts the burden to the opposing party to rebut the showing.

How a prima facie case works

• The plaintiff (or prosecutor) must present enough evidence for each required element of the claim or charge.
• If a court determines the plaintiff has made a prima facie showing at a pretrial stage, the case typically proceeds to trial.
• If the plaintiff fails to establish a prima facie case, the court is likely to dismiss the claim.
• The defendant may rebut prima facie evidence by presenting contrary evidence or arguments.

Prima facie in civil (tort) law

In tort actions (civil wrongs that typically seek monetary relief), the plaintiff must prove the elements of the particular tort to establish a prima facie case. For negligence, the common elements are:
– A legal duty owed by the defendant to the plaintiff
– Breach of that duty
– Actual injury to the plaintiff
– Causation linking the breach to the injury

Example: If a landlord intentionally allows a roof to remain unrepaired to force a tenant (such as a dental practice) out of rented space, the tenant must prove the landlord’s conduct caused the business losses to establish a prima facie tort claim.

Prima facie in criminal law

In criminal cases, the prosecution must present enough evidence for each element of the charged offense to move forward. For example, a burglary charge typically requires evidence of unlawful entry plus intent to commit theft or another crime. Even when a prima facie case is made, the prosecution must ultimately prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. The defendant’s goal is to cast sufficient doubt on the prosecution’s proof so the case cannot stand.

Employment-discrimination example (Title VII)

Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a plaintiff alleging employment discrimination commonly must show a prima facie case by proving:
– Membership in a protected class (race, sex, religion, national origin, color)
– An adverse employment action (e.g., termination)
– That they met the employer’s legitimate expectations at the time of the action
– That similarly situated employees outside the protected class were treated more favorably

If a plaintiff makes this showing, the employer must articulate a legitimate, non-discriminatory reason for the action; the plaintiff can then attempt to prove that reason is pretextual. Establishing a prima facie case does not guarantee victory—see St. Mary’s Honor Center v. Hicks, where the Supreme Court held that establishing a prima facie case does not entitle the plaintiff to automatic relief.

Rebutting prima facie evidence

Prima facie evidence can be rebutted. The opposing party may introduce evidence that disproves or undercuts the initial showing. In civil cases the standard for ultimate proof is usually a preponderance of the evidence; in criminal cases the standard is proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

Other uses: moral philosophy

The term is also used in moral philosophy (W. D. Ross) to describe “prima facie duties”—duties that are binding or obligatory unless overridden by stronger moral considerations (e.g., duties to tell the truth, keep promises, and prevent harm).

Summary

A prima facie case is an initial, sufficient showing of facts that supports a legal claim and allows a matter to proceed. It plays a central role in both civil and criminal procedure by defining the threshold evidence required to shift burdens and move disputes toward trial. Failure to meet the prima facie threshold commonly results in dismissal; if met, the opposing party must respond with rebuttal evidence or justification.

Sources

• Cornell Law School — Prima facie; Negligence
• Library of Congress — St. Mary’s Honor Center et al. v. Hicks
• Stanford University Department of Philosophy — William David Ross