“In actions of filiation, a pursuer was formerly entitled, on adducing a semiplena probatio, to her oath in supplement to prove that the defender was the father of her child. A semiplena probatio was such a proof as induced, not merely a suspicion, but a reasonable belief that the pursuer’s case was well-founded, and consisted generally of a proof of opportunity for connection, acts of familiarity on the part of the defender towards the pursuer, &c ….” John Trayner, Trayner’s Latin Maxims 569 (4th ed. 1894).
semiplena probatio
semiplena probatio (sem-I-plee-n[schwa] proh-bay-shee-oh), n. [Latin] Half-proof.
