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LSDefine

Simple English definitions for legal terms

actual cause

Read a random definition: scandalum magnatum

A quick definition of actual cause:

Actual cause is a term used in law to determine whether someone is responsible for a particular outcome. It is an important factor in both civil and criminal cases. To establish actual cause, the but-for cause test is used, which means that if the outcome would not have occurred but for the defendant's actions, then they are considered the actual cause. Once actual cause is established, proximate cause must also be proven to determine liability or guilt.

A more thorough explanation:

Actual cause is a crucial element in both civil and criminal cases. It is necessary to prove actual cause to establish liability in civil cases and a guilty verdict in criminal cases.

The but-for cause test is used to determine actual cause in both civil and criminal cases. This means that if the event would not have occurred but for the defendant's actions, then the defendant is considered the actual cause of the event.

For example, if a driver runs a red light and hits another car, causing injuries, the driver is considered the actual cause of the accident because the accident would not have occurred but for the driver running the red light.

Some jurisdictions also allow proving actual cause through alternative theories in criminal cases. However, once actual cause is established, proximate cause must also be established to return a liable/guilty verdict.

Overall, actual cause is an important factor in determining legal responsibility and accountability for events that cause harm or damage.

actual authority | actual controversy

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MIAMI A
[] AromaticTroubledDormouse
20:55
How does one know if they are UR1 or UR2?
[] AromaticTroubledDormouse
20:56
CONGRATS MACAQUE!
TY
got a random stanford email and almost had a heart attack
ALSO CONGRATS!
Congrats1!
21:15
Miami A, yall I'm so excited I could cry.
21:15
Feel like I can finally stop holding my breath!! Whew!!!
[] baddestbunny
22:16
every time I get accosted by a strange man who follows me around because my male coworkers were too busy talking to walk me back to my car I get closer to saying we need to bring back traditional gender roles
Dkk
22:32
Nice! @Macaque
Dkk
22:32
@Aromatic, Have to guess.
Dkk
22:33
That sucks @Bunny do you have to go to the hospital?
[] baddestbunny
22:40
I said accosted not assaulted
23:35
guys. my notre dame address just went long is this good or bad
1a2b3c4d26z
23:37
Oooooo me too
23:37
omg is this good or bad
Dkk
23:47
Idk if gender roles are gunna fix that then.
23:49
it looks like most people who applied in october last cycle didn't get a decision until january... does it even mean anything that our addresses went long??
hows ED 2 compared to ED 1?
Dkk
0:10
No idea
windyMagician
0:34
reporting live to say my ndls address also went long
does it mean anything ^
Dkk
2:21
NDLS and Fordham took a very long time last year. It's good info for people to know.
[] baddestbunny
4:29
let’s get after it boys and girls
Dkk
5:21
I gtg to bed soon.
Dkk
5:22
Big day today. Gunna be a crazy one. I will sleep through the first half.
good morning lsd it is 5 am EST
also jazzy my ndls address went long ages ago i sadly do not think it means anything
my stanford address also went long LOL i think at most it's an indicator it's under review
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