Which phrase translates to 'on the face of it'?

The phrase that translates to 'on the face of it' is "prima facie." This legal term is used to describe something that is accepted as true unless proven otherwise. It typically refers to evidence that, unless rebutted, is sufficient to prove a particular point or case. In legal contexts, if a claim is found to be prima facie valid, it means that it appears to be valid at first glance, creating an initial presumption of truth.

In contrast, the other phrases have distinct legal meanings that do not align with the concept of 'on the face of it.' "Ex post facto" refers to laws that apply retroactively, "subpoena duces tecum" is a legal order to produce documents, and "res judicata" means that a matter has already been judged and cannot be pursued further. Understanding these specific meanings helps clarify why "prima facie" is the correct answer.