Intro to Paralegal Studies Practice

What must be proven for a prima facie case to exist in court?

1. That the defendant is guilty

2. That no viable defenses are available

3. The elements of the plaintiff's cause of action

4. That the jury is biased

The correct answer is: The elements of the plaintiff's cause of action

To establish a prima facie case in court, the plaintiff must demonstrate the essential elements of their cause of action. This means that the plaintiff has to provide enough evidence that, if uncontradicted, would be sufficient for a reasonable jury to find in their favor. This forms the foundation for the case, allowing the trial to proceed. The elements of the plaintiff’s cause of action vary depending on the type of claim being made (for example, negligence, breach of contract, etc.), but each claim has specific criteria that must be satisfied. If the plaintiff fails to prove any one of these essential elements, their case may be dismissed at an early stage, often referred to as a motion for summary judgment. In contrast, demonstrating that the defendant is guilty or that no viable defenses are available is not a prerequisite for establishing a prima facie case; these considerations come later in the trial process. Additionally, the bias of a jury does not relate to the prima facie status of a case and would concern other aspects of legal proceedings, such as jury selection and impartiality.