Prima Facie means what?

• A. A presumption of innocence
• B. Beyond the powers
• C. Prosecution has provided sufficient proof that the defendant could be convicted in the absence of any evidence from the defence
• D. A trial within a trial

Answer: (C)

Prima facie means “on the face of it” — the evidence the prosecution has presented, at first view, is enough to support a conviction if the defence does not rebut it. It marks the threshold the case must meet to go forward: the essential elements of the offence are shown well enough that, in the absence of contrary evidence, a trier of fact could convict. This does not itself prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt; it simply shows there is enough evidence to proceed and require the defence to respond. It’s not about innocence as a default, not about jurisdictional limits, and not about a separate “trial within a trial.” The statement describing the prosecution's sufficient proof, potentially leading to a conviction if no defence evidence is offered, captures the essence of a prima facie case.