North Carolina RADAR State Practice Exam

What does "Prima Facie" mean in legal terms?

1. At first sight or glance

2. Beyond reasonable doubt

3. Assumed to be true until proven false

4. Figuratively accurate on first examination

The correct answer is: At first sight or glance

"Prima facie" is a Latin term that translates to "at first sight" or "on its face." In legal contexts, it refers to evidence that is sufficient to establish a fact or raise a presumption unless disproven or rebutted. This means that if evidence is presented that appears to be credible and convincing without any further proof, it can be considered valid until challenged or contradicted. Understanding this term is crucial in legal proceedings, as it often determines whether a case can proceed based on the initial evidence presented. The other options do not capture the precise meaning: "beyond reasonable doubt" relates to the standard of proof in criminal cases; "assumed to be true until proven false" is a broader concept that may not specifically refer to the evidentiary standards; and "figuratively accurate on first examination" does not convey the direct legal implications involved in the term. Thus, the choice that accurately represents the definition of "prima facie" in a legal context is the one that denotes its meaning of something that is accepted at first glance.