§ 2301 Definitions.

This rule explains some basic legal terms used when courts talk about "presumptions" in a case. A presumption is a shortcut the law uses. If a certain fact is proven true, the law says another fact must also be treated as true, even if the first fact doesn't actually prove the second one on its own.

The rule breaks this idea into simple parts. The "basic fact" is the starting fact that has been proven. The "presumed fact" is the fact the law then requires everyone to accept because the basic fact exists. For example, if the law says proving one thing automatically means another thing must be assumed, the first thing is the basic fact and the second is the presumed fact.

The rule also covers what happens when two presumptions point in different directions. This is called having "inconsistent presumptions." This means one presumption says a certain fact must be true, while another presumption says a different, conflicting fact must be true. Knowing these terms helps explain how judges and juries are supposed to handle situations where the law creates automatic assumptions during a trial.