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prima facie

Prima facie refers to the way something looks on its face, or at first glance. (adjective)

An example of prima facie is when a wife walks in on her husband with another woman; at first glance, it looks as if he is guilty of something just because of the circumstances.

In legal terms, prima facie means that something has been proven or assumed to be true unless there is evidence presented to the contrary. (adjective)

An example of prima face is when a plaintiff in a discrimination case shows that a pre-employment test has a unfair impact on minorities. This can be said to be a prima face case of discrimination unless the employer can then prove that the test is legitimate for work related purposes.

See prima facie in Webster's New World College Dictionary

See prima facie in American Heritage Dictionary 4