Legal Definitions - probable consequence

A probable consequence refers to an outcome or result that is highly expected to occur, or is "more likely than not" to happen, as a direct result of a specific action or event. In legal terms, it signifies that there is a greater than 50% chance that a particular effect will follow its supposed cause.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1 (Everyday Physics): If a person leaves a garden hose running full blast on a sloped concrete driveway for an extended period, a probable consequence is that the water will flow down the slope and create a large puddle at the bottom, potentially making the surface slippery.

  Explanation: Given the laws of gravity and water flow, it is highly expected – more likely than not – that water will accumulate and spread on a sloped, non-absorbent surface when continuously applied.

• Example 2 (Business Operations): When a critical supplier fails to deliver essential raw materials to a manufacturing plant on the agreed-upon date, a probable consequence is that the plant's production line will experience delays or even a temporary shutdown.

  Explanation: Without the necessary raw materials, the manufacturing process cannot proceed as planned, making a disruption in production a highly anticipated and direct result of the supplier's failure.

• Example 3 (Public Safety): If a city fails to repair a large, clearly visible pothole on a busy street for several months, a probable consequence is that vehicles driving over it will suffer tire damage or suspension problems, and there's an increased risk of accidents.

  Explanation: Repeated impact with a significant road hazard like a large pothole makes vehicle damage or loss of control a highly foreseeable and likely outcome for drivers, especially over an extended period.