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Actus Reus 3 - Causation
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2 Jul 2025
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What Happens in Crime Law: Cool Examples and Rules
Demetra
@demetra_21
Intervening Acts and Chain of Causation
This page discusses intervening acts and their potential to break the chain of causation in criminal law.
Intervening acts, also known as novus actus interveniens, can potentially break the chain of causation between a defendant's actions and the resulting consequence. For a defendant to be found guilty, there must be an unbroken link between their act and the outcome.
Intervening acts that may break the chain of causation include:
- Acts by a third party
- The victim's own actions
- Natural but unpredictable events
- Medical intervention
Example: In R v Jordan , a stabbing victim died due to an allergic reaction to antibiotics administered by a doctor. The court held that the doctor's actions were an intervening act that broke the chain of causation, and the defendant was not guilty of murder.
However, not all subsequent events will break the chain of causation. In R v Smith , poor medical treatment that likely affected the victim's chances of survival by 75% did not absolve the original attacker of guilt for murder.
Highlight: The thin skull rule legal liability principle can extend to pre-existing medical conditions, as seen in R v Cheshire , where the defendant was held liable for the victim's death from complications arising from treatment of the original injury.
When considering a victim's own acts, if the defendant causes the victim to react in a foreseeable way, any resulting injury will still be attributed to the defendant.
Example: In R v Roberts , a girl jumped from a moving car to escape sexual advances. The defendant was held liable for her injuries as her reaction was considered foreseeable.
Intervening Acts and Victim's Reactions
This page explores further aspects of intervening acts, focusing on the victim's reactions and their impact on causation.
The victim's own actions can sometimes break the chain of causation, particularly if they have a clear choice in their actions.
Example: In R v Kennedy , the defendant supplied drugs to a friend who then chose to inject them and subsequently died. The court held that the victim's decision to self-administer the drug broke the chain of causation, and the defendant was not held liable for the death.
However, if the victim's reaction is foreseeable, it generally will not break the chain of causation. The key factor is whether the defendant's actions caused the victim to react in a way that could be reasonably anticipated.
Highlight: Foreseeability plays a crucial role in determining whether a victim's actions break the chain of causation.
On the other hand, if the victim's reaction is deemed unreasonable or unforeseeable, it may break the chain of causation and absolve the defendant of liability for the resulting consequences.
Example: In R v Williams , a victim jumped from the defendant's car and died from head injuries. The circumstances of this case suggest that the victim's reaction might have been considered unforeseeable, potentially breaking the chain of causation.
Understanding these nuances is crucial in determining whether intervening acts breaking chain of causation apply in specific cases. The courts must carefully consider the circumstances, foreseeability, and reasonableness of reactions when deciding if the chain of causation has been broken.
Causation in Criminal Law
This page introduces the concept of causation in criminal law and its key components.
To establish causation, the prosecution must prove that the defendant's actions were both the factual and legal cause of the consequence. Additionally, there must be no intervening act that breaks the chain of causation.
Factual causation is determined using the "but for" test. This means the consequence would not have occurred if not for the defendant's conduct.
Example: In the case of White , the defendant poisoned his mother's drink, but she died of a heart attack instead. He was convicted of attempted murder rather than murder since her death would have occurred regardless of his actions.
Legal causation requires that the defendant's conduct was more than a minimal cause of the consequence, though it need not be the only cause.
Example: In R v Kimsey , the defendant was involved in a high-speed car chase that resulted in a fatal crash. The conviction was upheld even though it wasn't clear what happened immediately before the loss of control.
The "thin skull rule" is an important principle in legal causation in criminal law example cases. This rule states that defendants must take their victims as they find them, meaning they are liable for more serious injuries caused by a victim's unique physical or mental condition.
Highlight: The thin skull rule holds defendants responsible for unexpected consequences due to a victim's particular vulnerabilities.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
What Happens in Crime Law: Cool Examples and Rules
Demetra
@demetra_21
Legal causation in criminal law is a complex concept that determines whether a defendant's actions are legally responsible for a particular outcome. This summary explores key aspects of causation, including factual and legal causation, the thin skull rule, and intervening... Show more
Intervening Acts and Chain of Causation
This page discusses intervening acts and their potential to break the chain of causation in criminal law.
Intervening acts, also known as novus actus interveniens, can potentially break the chain of causation between a defendant's actions and the resulting consequence. For a defendant to be found guilty, there must be an unbroken link between their act and the outcome.
Intervening acts that may break the chain of causation include:
- Acts by a third party
- The victim's own actions
- Natural but unpredictable events
- Medical intervention
Example: In R v Jordan , a stabbing victim died due to an allergic reaction to antibiotics administered by a doctor. The court held that the doctor's actions were an intervening act that broke the chain of causation, and the defendant was not guilty of murder.
However, not all subsequent events will break the chain of causation. In R v Smith , poor medical treatment that likely affected the victim's chances of survival by 75% did not absolve the original attacker of guilt for murder.
Highlight: The thin skull rule legal liability principle can extend to pre-existing medical conditions, as seen in R v Cheshire , where the defendant was held liable for the victim's death from complications arising from treatment of the original injury.
When considering a victim's own acts, if the defendant causes the victim to react in a foreseeable way, any resulting injury will still be attributed to the defendant.
Example: In R v Roberts , a girl jumped from a moving car to escape sexual advances. The defendant was held liable for her injuries as her reaction was considered foreseeable.
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Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Intervening Acts and Victim's Reactions
This page explores further aspects of intervening acts, focusing on the victim's reactions and their impact on causation.
The victim's own actions can sometimes break the chain of causation, particularly if they have a clear choice in their actions.
Example: In R v Kennedy , the defendant supplied drugs to a friend who then chose to inject them and subsequently died. The court held that the victim's decision to self-administer the drug broke the chain of causation, and the defendant was not held liable for the death.
However, if the victim's reaction is foreseeable, it generally will not break the chain of causation. The key factor is whether the defendant's actions caused the victim to react in a way that could be reasonably anticipated.
Highlight: Foreseeability plays a crucial role in determining whether a victim's actions break the chain of causation.
On the other hand, if the victim's reaction is deemed unreasonable or unforeseeable, it may break the chain of causation and absolve the defendant of liability for the resulting consequences.
Example: In R v Williams , a victim jumped from the defendant's car and died from head injuries. The circumstances of this case suggest that the victim's reaction might have been considered unforeseeable, potentially breaking the chain of causation.
Understanding these nuances is crucial in determining whether intervening acts breaking chain of causation apply in specific cases. The courts must carefully consider the circumstances, foreseeability, and reasonableness of reactions when deciding if the chain of causation has been broken.
Causation in Criminal Law
This page introduces the concept of causation in criminal law and its key components.
To establish causation, the prosecution must prove that the defendant's actions were both the factual and legal cause of the consequence. Additionally, there must be no intervening act that breaks the chain of causation.
Factual causation is determined using the "but for" test. This means the consequence would not have occurred if not for the defendant's conduct.
Example: In the case of White , the defendant poisoned his mother's drink, but she died of a heart attack instead. He was convicted of attempted murder rather than murder since her death would have occurred regardless of his actions.
Legal causation requires that the defendant's conduct was more than a minimal cause of the consequence, though it need not be the only cause.
Example: In R v Kimsey , the defendant was involved in a high-speed car chase that resulted in a fatal crash. The conviction was upheld even though it wasn't clear what happened immediately before the loss of control.
The "thin skull rule" is an important principle in legal causation in criminal law example cases. This rule states that defendants must take their victims as they find them, meaning they are liable for more serious injuries caused by a victim's unique physical or mental condition.
Highlight: The thin skull rule holds defendants responsible for unexpected consequences due to a victim's particular vulnerabilities.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user