What does the term 'Prima Facie' mean in a legal context?

In a legal context, 'Prima Facie' refers to a situation that is established based on the initial evidence presented; it means "on the face of it" or "as it appears to be." This concept implies that the evidence is sufficient to support a case or proposition until further evidence is introduced that may contradict it.

For example, in a legal proceeding, if a plaintiff presents enough evidence to make their claims seem valid at first glance, that claim can be considered prima facie. This sets the stage for the burden of proof to shift to the opposing party, who must then present counter-evidence to dispute the initial claim.

The other options present different legal concepts but do not capture the essence of 'Prima Facie' as it specifically relates to the sufficiency of initial evidence and its effect on the burden of proof. The implications of this term are significant in understanding various legal proceedings and how cases are evaluated in preliminary stages.