What does the principle of "novus actus interveniens" establish about causation?

The principle of "novus actus interveniens" establishes that a subsequent act can indeed break the chain of causation between the original act and the eventual outcome. This legal concept is important in tort law and criminal law as it determines whether a defendant's action is still considered a cause of the damage or harm suffered by the claimant.

When a new and independent act occurs after the initial act, and this new act is deemed sufficient to cause the outcome in question, it interrupts the connection to the original act. This means that the original actor may not be held liable for the resulting damage as the new, intervening cause has altered the circumstances.

For example, if someone is injured due to a defendant's negligence, but then a third party acts in a way that independently contributes to the injury or exacerbates it, this could qualify as a novus actus interveniens. The law recognizes that the original negligent act may no longer be the proximate cause of the injury due to the new factors introduced.

Understanding this principle is crucial for determining liability in various legal contexts, as it delineates the boundaries of causation and clarifies when a defendant can be held accountable for the consequences of their actions.