Causation Cases Flashcards
White
D put poison in mothers drink. The D was not the factual cause of her death so not guilty of murder but but guilty of attempted murder.
But for test
Paggett
D would not have been killed if D hadn’t taken her hostage. D’s act need not be the sole cause or even the main cause as long as it contributes significantly to the result.
But for test
Dalloway
D was riding a horse and cart with long reigns. A child ran out in front of cart resulting in the child’s death. He was not guilty of manslaughter as even if the reigns were tight the child still would have died.
D did nothing wrong
Blaue
Lady was stabbed by the D. As she was a Jehovah’s Witness she refused the advised blood transfusion and died. D was guilty of murder even though he was unaware of her beliefs which made the would fatal. He had to take her as he found her.
Thin skull rule
Hayward
D chased his wife out the house. She collapsed and died. She suffered a rare condition caused by fright and panic. D unaware of the condition and guilty of constructive manslaughter.
Adams
Deliberately giving pain killers to shorten life is murder even if the v would have died in a few weeks anyway.
Roberts
Young woman injured jumping from a moving car to escape indecent assault. Foreseeable that V would do this so D did cause her injuries.
Smith
Soldier was stabbed. His chance of survival was poor as so was the medical treatment available. D was still operative and substantial cause. Medical mistreatment not enough to break the chain
Cheshire
D shot v. V needed a tracheotomy. V died because of complications from this. Medical treatment only to break chain of causation if so independent to d’s acts
Jordan
V was stabbed. Wounds almost healed. He was given a large dose of a drug which they knew he was allergic. He died 8 days after stabbing. Chain broken.
Malcherek and steel
The defendant will still be guilty if treatment is discontinued providing the initial attack is the operative and substantial cause.
