One-word substitution (legal Latin): Choose the most accurate meaning of the term ‘‘prima facie’’ as used in law and formal reasoning. Context: In legal writing, evidence or a case may be described as ‘‘prima facie’’ based on initial examination without exhaustive inquiry. Instruction: Select the option that best paraphrases the expression ‘‘prima facie’’ from the choices below.

Given data

• Term to interpret: prima facie (Latin).
• Options: (A) At first sight, (B) Made to seem at first sight, (C) What it turns out to be at the end, (D) What it seems after many hearings.

Concept / ApproachPrima facie literally means ‘‘at first appearance’’ or ‘‘on the face of it’’. In law, a prima facie case is one that, if unrebutted, is sufficient to prove a proposition or establish a fact. It concerns an initial view—not the final adjudication.

Option-by-option analysis (elimination)(A) ‘‘As it seems at first sight’’ — matches the literal sense and legal use. ✅(B) ‘‘As it is made to seem at first sight’’ — implies contrivance or manipulation; not inherent in the term. ❌(C) ‘‘As it turns out to be at the end’’ — refers to final outcome, opposite of ‘‘at first sight’’. ❌(D) ‘‘…after a number of hearings’’ — suggests extended proceedings; again, not initial. ❌

Verification / Example‘‘The documents establish a prima facie case of fraud’’ = ‘‘On first examination, the evidence is sufficient unless rebutted.’’

Common pitfalls

• Confusing prima facie with ‘‘final proof’’ or verdict.
• Reading in the idea of ‘‘made to seem’’, which is not part of the meaning.

Final AnswerAs it seems at first sight