“Imagine you’re in court. The plaintiff rests. The defendant’s lawyer stands up and says: ‘Your Honor, they haven’t even made a prima facie case.’
Let us draft a practical Prima Facie Script for a car accident case. Our client, Jane, was rear-ended by Tom.
The content of your prima facie script changes depending on the area of law. Below are the standard scripts for the most common legal actions.
In this comprehensive guide, we will dissect the anatomy of the Prima Facie Script, explore its application across various legal domains (from torts to criminal law), and provide a step-by-step methodology for drafting one that withstands judicial scrutiny. prima facie script
Take the case you are working on right now. Write down the prima facie elements on an index card. If you don't have evidence for every single line, do not pass "Go." If you do, you are ready to shift the burden.
While the text itself is powerful, the script is designed for a tour-de-force performance. It requires the actor to rapidly shift between personas—barrister, witness, passenger, and rapist—masterfully creating a full world on stage with almost no props. Conclusion
The is more than just dialogue; it is a blueprint for a deeply demanding solo performance and a work of literature in its own right. Published by Nick Hern Books in its "NHB Modern Plays" series , the special edition script is a physical and intellectual artefact. It features the definitive version of Miller’s award-winning text, alongside additional elements that contextualize the play’s significance. “Imagine you’re in court
The script challenges the idea that the law is neutral. Through Tessa’s closing monologue, the text argues that the legal system was constructed by men, for men, hundreds of years ago. Therefore, the standard of the "reasonable person" inherently excludes female lived experiences of trauma and compliance under threat. Class and Belonging
As the case moves to trial, Tessa realizes that the very legal system she once mastered is designed to work against victims of sexual violence. She must navigate:
Whether it's Jodie Comer's Olivier and Tony-winning performance or a local production, this 100-minute monologue is a masterclass in acting. The Script: Our client, Jane, was rear-ended by Tom
Ultimately, “prima facie script” operates on two levels that are thematically intertwined. On the one hand, it is the legal standard applied to original scripts to determine if a case of theft exists. On the other, it is the title of a celebrated script that uses the theatre to dismantle that very legal standard in the context of sexual assault.
Plaintiff must show:
The script opens with Tessa at the height of her powers. She explains the "game" of law to the audience with absolute confidence. She loves cross-examining witnesses, finding the gaps in their stories, and winning. This setup is crucial; it establishes her deep faith in the legal system. Phase 2: The Inciting Incident
: The script has been so influential that it is reportedly used in training for judges in the UK to help them understand the trauma victims face during cross-examination. Critical Success Powell's Q&A: Suzie Miller, author of 'Prima Facie'
The title page contains only the title, writer's name, and clean contact information. Every page has a healthy balance of text and white space. No action paragraph exceeds four lines of text. The first three pages contain a definitive visual hook.