Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc
/ˌpoʊst hɒk ˈɛrɡoʊ ˈprɒptər hɒk/
Definitions
- (n.) A logical fallacy assuming that because one event follows another, the first caused the second, often misleading in legal reasoning about causation.
The court rejected the plaintiff's argument as a post hoc ergo propter hoc fallacy, noting that temporal sequence alone does not prove causation.
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Commentary
This term is frequently cited to caution against inferring causation purely from chronological order in legal analysis.
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.