prima facie

 
Pronunciation: /ˌprʌɪmə ˈfeɪʃi/

adjective & adverb

Law
  • based on the first impression; accepted as correct until proved otherwise: [as adjective]: a prima facie case of professional misconduct [as adverb]: the original lessee prima facie remains liable for the payment of the rent

Origin:

Latin, from primus 'first' + facies 'face'