A more thorough explanation:

Definition: At first sight.

Overview: Prima facie is a Latin term that can be used as an adjective or adverb. As an adjective, it means "sufficient to establish a fact or raise a presumption unless disproved or rebutted." For example, "prima facie evidence" means evidence that is enough to establish a fact unless it is disproved. As an adverb, it means "on first appearance but subject to further evidence or information." For example, "prima facie valid" means something that appears valid at first glance but may need further evidence to confirm its validity.

A prima facie case is a legally required rebuttable presumption. It is a cause of action or defense that is sufficiently established by a party's evidence to justify a verdict in their favor, provided such evidence is not rebutted by the other party.

Application: Various torts have prima facie cases attached to them. For example, the tort of trespass has a prima facie case with three components:

• The defendant had the intent to invade the land
• The defendant invaded the land
• The plaintiff possessed the land and did not consent to the defendant's invasion

If the plaintiff is not able to prove one of the components, then a court will likely find that the tort did not occur.

Example: If someone enters your property without your permission, they have committed a prima facie case of trespass. However, if they had a valid reason to enter your property, such as delivering a package, then it would not be considered trespass.

Further Reading: For more information on prima facie, see Bell Atlantic Corp. v. Twombly, 550 U.S. 554 (2007); Swierkiewicz v. Sorema N.A., 534 U.S. 506 (2002); Hernandez v. New York, 500 US 352 (1991). Also, see this .