Legal Causation
/ˈliːɡəl ˌkɔːzˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
- (n.) The determination of whether a defendant’s actions are sufficiently connected to an outcome to hold them legally responsible.
The court ruled that the defendant's conduct was the legal causation of the plaintiff's injury.
- (n.) A principle distinguishing actual cause from proximate cause in tort and criminal law liability analysis.
Legal causation requires that the harm was a foreseeable result of the defendant's conduct.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Legal causation assesses the normative link between act and injury beyond mere factual cause, crucial in liability determinations.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.