Which term means sufficient proof of a claim in the absence of further evidence to the contrary?

• A. Burden of proof
• B. Res ipsa loquitur
• C. Prima facie evidence
• D. Hearsay

Answer: (C)

Prima facie evidence means that the presented proof is enough to establish a claim on its face, and it would stand unless someone provides contrary evidence. In other words, it meets the initial threshold of proof: at first glance, the claim looks proven, and only additional or opposing evidence can overturn it. The other terms describe different ideas: the burden of proof is about who must prove the claim and to what standard; res ipsa loquitur is an inference of negligence from the mere occurrence of an event; and hearsay refers to out-of-court statements offered to prove content, which generally isn’t admissible as proof.