pre·sump·tion /pri-'zəmp-shən/ n: an inference as to the existence of a fact not certainly known that the law requires to be drawn from the known or proven existence of some other fact
conclusive presumption: a presumption that the law does not allow to be rebutted – called also irrebuttable presumption; compare rebuttable presumption in this entry
mandatory presumption: a presumption that a jury is required by law to make upon proof of a given fact compare permissive presumption in this entry
permissive presumption: an inference or presumption that a jury is allowed but not required to make from a given set of facts – called also permissive inference; compare mandatory presumption in this entry
presumption of fact: a presumption founded on a previous experience or on general knowledge of a connection between a known fact and one inferred from it
presumption of innocence: a rebuttable presumption in the favor of the defendant in a criminal action imposing on the prosecution the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
presumption of intent: a permissive presumption that if a criminal defendant committed an act it was his or her intent to commit it
presumption of law: a presumption (as of the innocence of a criminal defendant) founded on a rule or policy of law regardless of fact
presumption of survivorship: the presumption in the absence of direct evidence that of two or more persons dying in a common disaster (as a fire) one was the last to die because of youth, strength, or other reasons rendering survivorship likely
rebuttable presumption: a presumption that may be rebutted by evidence to the contrary compare conclusive presumption in this entry
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.