Prima Facie Script __full__ | Safe |
If you are looking for the physical script (playtext) of Suzie Miller's award-winning play Prima Facie , it is primarily published in two formats: Playtext (Original Script): Published by Nick Hern Books
, this is the standard edition used by actors and students. It contains the full monologue as performed on stage. Novelization:
Suzie Miller also wrote a novel based on the play, published by Hutchinson Heinemann , which is significantly longer at approximately Australian Plays Transform Where to Access the Script Physical Copy: You can find the script at major retailers like or specialized drama bookstores. Digital/PDF:
Authorized digital versions are often available for purchase through the Nick Hern Books website for e-readers. Libraries:
Many university and performing arts libraries carry the playtext due to its significance in contemporary Australian and British drama. Australian Plays Transform Context of the Work
When people refer to the "Prima Facie script," they are usually talking about the award-winning play by Suzie Miller
. This powerful one-woman show explores the complexities of the legal system, particularly how it handles cases of sexual assault. Synopsis of the Play prima facie script
The story follows Tessa Ensler, a brilliant and ambitious barrister who has worked her way up from working-class roots to the top of her profession. She is a master of the courtroom, specializing in defending men accused of sexual assault. She prides herself on "playing the game" of the law, believing that the system is fair if you know how to navigate its rules.
Her perspective shifts dramatically when she finds herself on the other side of the witness stand. After being sexually assaulted by a colleague, Tessa experiences firsthand the grueling reality of the legal process she once championed. The script follows her journey as she confronts the high standard of proof required in such cases and the systemic barriers that often prevent survivors from seeking justice. Key Themes and Legal Concepts
The Burden of Proof: The title itself, Prima Facie, is a Latin legal term meaning "at first sight" or "on the face of it". In law, a "prima facie case" refers to the presentation of enough evidence to support a claim unless it is later refuted.
Systemic Bias: The script examines how the rules of evidence and cross-examination, which are designed to ensure a fair trial, can become instruments of trauma for victims of sexual violence.
Truth vs. Legal Proof: Tessa struggles with the realization that the "truth" of what happened to her may not meet the rigid criteria of "legal proof" required for a conviction. Impact and Availability
The play gained international acclaim following its West End debut starring Jodie Comer, who later took the role to Broadway. It is often cited as a critical text for those entering the legal profession. If you are looking for the physical script
Read the Script: The full text of the play is published by Nick Hern Books and is widely used for auditions and legal education.
Watch the Performance: National Theatre Live occasionally broadcasts filmed versions of the stage production; you can check for upcoming screenings on the NT Live website.
prima facie | Wex | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute
Step 3: Attach a "Scripted Fact" to Each Element
For each legal element, write a specific fact that will prove it.
- Element: Duty -> Fact: As a driver, the defendant had a duty to obey traffic signals.
- Element: Breach -> Fact: The defendant ran a red light at 3rd and Main.
Common Kill Shots:
- Missing an element: The plaintiff proved duty and breach, but alleged zero damages. (No harm, no foul).
- Conclusory allegations: The script says "the defendant was negligent" without explaining how he was negligent. (Judges hate conclusions without facts).
- Legal impossibility: The script claims "trespass" but the defendant was on a public sidewalk.
When reviewing an opponent’s Prima Facie Script, read it as if the defendant confessed to every fact. If you still don’t think a crime or tort occurred, file a motion to dismiss.
How It Works
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Input:
- Cause of Action: User selects a legal claim (e.g., "Negligence").
- Facts: User pastes a block of text describing the event.
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Processing (The Script Logic):
- The script loads the required elements for the selected claim (Duty, Breach, Causation, Damages).
- It cross-references the user's facts against these keywords and legal standards.
- Instead of just summarizing the text, it calculates a "coverage score" for each element.
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Output (The "Gap" Report): The script outputs a visual map of the prima facie case.
Example Output:
Claim: Negligence Status: Prima Facie Not Established
- Duty: ✅ Established. (Source text: "The defendant was a licensed surgeon operating on the plaintiff.")
- Breach: ⚠️ Weak/Implicit. (Source text implies deviation from standard of care, but lacks expert witness testimony or specific standard reference.)
- Causation: ✅ Established. (Source text: "But for the scalpel left inside, the infection would not have occurred.")
- Damages: ❌ Missing. (Source text describes the injury but lacks financial records, medical bills, or quantifiable loss data.)
Recommendation: To establish a prima facie case, the user must provide specific documentation of financial loss or physical suffering to satisfy the "Damages" element.