A prima facie case is an early screen for a court to determine whether the prosecution can go forward to try the defendant fully for the crime. As such, the standard of proof that the prosecution must satisfy at the prima facie case stage is lower than that for proof that the defendant is guilty.

What is prima facie and why is it important?

Prima facie is a legal claim having enough evidence to proceed to trial or judgment. Prima facie, in Latin, means "at first sight". ... A judge may conclude, after an initial review of the accusation during a pre-trial hearing, that there is enough evidence to support a case. Thus, the situation is called Prima Facie.

What is prima facie evidence How is this important?

(law) Evidence adequate to establish a fact or raise a presumption of fact unless refuted. noun. 3. Prima facie evidence is a legal term used to mean that you have enough evidence to prove something by pointing to some basic facts, but that your proof can be refuted.