phrase
Latin
Prima Facie
/ˌpraɪmə ˈfeɪʃiː/
lit. “at first face”
Apparently true on first look, pending further evidence.
Origin
A standard term in common-law jurisprudence: a 'prima facie case' is one strong enough to require a response from the other side.
Modern usage
Used in legal writing, criticism, and intellectual essays to flag a first-pass judgment that might not hold up.
Tags
evidence
legal