Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

rebuttable presumption

Noun

/rɪˈbʌtəbl prɪˈzʌmpʃən/

Definition

A legal assumption that can be challenged and disproven by evidence presented in court.

Examples

In a court case, the rebuttable presumption of innocence protects a defendant until they are proven guilty.
The rebuttable presumption regarding the validity of a will can be challenged by presenting evidence of its invalidity.

Meaning

In legal contexts, a rebuttable presumption is an assumption that is taken to be true unless someone proves otherwise. It means that the presumption stands until sufficient evidence is provided to contradict it.