Which type of evidence is referred to as "primarily face value" in a legal context?

The term "primarily face value" in a legal context refers specifically to prima facie evidence. This type of evidence is sufficient to establish a fact or raise a presumption unless disproven or rebutted. Essentially, prima facie evidence is considered strong enough on its own to suggest that the claim is true, provided that no contradictory evidence is presented.

For instance, if a party presents a document that is formally recognized as valid, it is accepted at face value as proof of the stated facts until the opposing party introduces evidence to challenge its authenticity or accuracy. This makes prima facie evidence crucial in legal proceedings, as it sets the foundation for a case that must be addressed by the opposing party.

Other evidence types, while important, serve different functions in legal proceedings. Direct evidence relates directly to the fact in question, circumstantial evidence requires inference to ascertain the truth of the matter, and testimonial evidence comes from witnesses who provide accounts based on their perceptions. Prima facie evidence, however, uniquely emphasizes its validity until proven otherwise, aligning perfectly with the notion of being accepted at face value.