What can cause a prima facie case to fail?

A prima facie case is an initial presentation of evidence that, if not contradicted, would be sufficient to prove a particular claim. For a prima facie case to succeed, the harms or issues presented must be substantial and compelling. Minor or unconvincing harms can undermine the strength of a prima facie case by failing to demonstrate significant consequences or impacts that warrant serious consideration. If the evidence regarding harms is not persuasive, it can lead the audience or decision-makers to dismiss the case lacking sufficient justification for action.

On the other hand, while lack of public opinion support may influence the reception of the case, it does not directly affect the inherent validity of the arguments. Similarly, complexity of the proposal can challenge clarity but does not inherently weaken the prima facie case itself; it might require more thorough explanation. Overly simplistic arguments can also be an issue, as they may not address the nuances of the situation, yet they don't necessarily negate a prima facie case if other substantial points are made. In contrast, the presence of minor or unconvincing harms directly undermines the foundation of the case, making it the most critical factor in causing it to fail.