In the context of legal terminology, which term refers to evidence that is adequate to establish a fact?

The term that refers to evidence adequate to establish a fact is prima facie evidence. This type of evidence is sufficient to support a legal claim or assertion unless it is contradicted or rebutted by other evidence. When prima facie evidence is presented, it creates a presumption of truth regarding the facts it supports, allowing the case to proceed unless the opposing party can provide counter-evidence.

In legal contexts, this concept is critical because it lays the groundwork for how a case may unfold in court. The party presenting prima facie evidence does not need to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt at this stage; rather, they need to show that their evidence is credible enough to warrant further examination.

Substantive evidence, while it relates to the content of a case, does not specifically denote evidence that automatically establishes a fact as prima facie does. Testimonial evidence refers to statements made by witnesses, which can sometimes serve as prima facie evidence, but testimony alone does not define the broader legal standard of establishing facts. The certainty principle is not a recognized term in this context, making it less relevant for establishing legal evidence. Thus, prima facie evidence is the most accurate term for evidence sufficient to establish a fact.